“These are my goals” - Lamine Yamal reveals what he wants to achieve next season after inheriting Lionel Messi’s iconic no.10 shirt at Barcelona

Lamine Yamal has outlined his goals for the upcoming season after inheriting Lionel Messi's fabled No. 10 shirt at Barcelona. The Spanish forward was handed the iconic jersey on Wednesday at an official ceremony to celebrate his new deal.

The 18-year-old finished the 2024-25 season with 18 goals and 25 assists from 55 games. The Catalans have subsequently made him their new No. 10.

Ansu Fati vacated the shirt after moving to Monaco on loan this summer. Fati had taken the shirt following Lionel Messi's departure in 2021, but failed to live up to the billing.

Lamine Yamal, however, is already among the finest forwards in the league, and is the face of Barcelona's future. All signs indicate that the youngster will be quite comfortable wearing the fabled shirt.

Speaking at his unveiling as the Catalans' new No. 10, Yamal said that he is aiming to win the Champions League and the World Cup next.

"My goals for this new season? Winning the Champions League and the World Cup. These are my goals now," said Yamal.

Interestingly, Barcelona last won the Champions League in the 2014-15 season, when Lionel Messi was their No.10. Should Lamine Yamal manage to guide them to the prestigious trophy next season, he will etch his name in the club's folklore.

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What has Lamine Yamal said about wearing Lionel Messi's No. 10 shirt at Barcelona?

Lionel Messi

Lamine Yamal has expressed a desire to create his own history after taking up the No. 10 shirt at Barcelona. The fabled number attained cult status on Lionel Messi's shoulders, but lost some of its shine following his departure.

Speaking to the press, as cited by Barca Universal, Yamal insisted that he will try to make all fans happy again.

“Messi has made his own path, I’m going to make mine, and the number 10 comes from Ansu now. So, I will try to make all the Cules happy, those who are there and those who are at home,” said Yamal.

Yamal also remained hopeful of continuing in the footsteps of Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Messi, all previous history makers with the No. 10 shirt.

“I hope so, they are three legends of football, three legends of this club. I would take everything from each of them. Grateful for the club’s trust, and I will try to continue that legacy,” said Yamal.

Lamine Yamal has scored 25 goals and set up 34 more from 106 games for Barcelona to date.

Edited by Deepungsu Pandit