Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has spoken about how Lionel Messi played a role in his choice of a shirt number at Euro 2024. The prodigy inspired La Roja to success in Germany last summer as they won a first European Championship title in 12 years.
In an interview with Manu Carrero on El Larguero, Lamine Yamal revealed that his decision to take the number 19 shirt for Spain was because of Lionel Messi. He attributed a lot of luck to the shirt, pointing out that he has a special connection to it now.
Messi began his international career as the wearer of the number 19 shirt for Argentina while Juan Roman Riquelme had the number 10 shirt. He made his major tournament debut in the 2006 FIFA World Cup sporting this shirt number.
Riquelme’s retirement from international football in 2009 gave Messi the opportunity to take the number 10 shirt for the first time, and he has not relinquished it since. Similarly, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner wore the number 19 shirt for Barcelona before becoming their number 10.
In addition to following Messi’s footsteps by taking his number at the Euros, the youngster also took his short number at La Blaugrana. Lamine Yamal turned 17 on the day of the Euro 2024 final against England and provided an assist for Nico Williams as Spain won the tournament.
Spain and Barcelona phenom Lamine Yamal has opened up on the possibility of emulating Lionel Messi as the wearer of the number 10 shirt at Barcelona. The youngster has been tipped to claim the jersey this summer after an outstanding campaign for the Spanish giants.
In his interview with El Larguero, the 17-year-old revealed that he would feel no pressure if he took the shirt. He praised the current wearer of the shirt, Ansu Fati, pointing out that he will be happy with whatever number he has.
Ansu Fati took the number immediately after Lionel Messi left La Blaugrana and has had it since, despite struggling at the club. He is expected to leave this summer, with AS Monaco his likeliest destination, freeing up the number for Yamal to take.
Sulayman has a good feel for the game, which is reflected in his descriptive articles. He double checks information via multiple sources for accuracy, and only uses top-tier platforms like Transfermarkt and Opta for statistical information. His experience and exploits in the industry have led Sulayman to cover the Nigerian Professional League for three years along with games involving the Nigerian national team. He has also worked in F1, joining hands with industry veterans to provide a smooth viewing experience in Nigeria.
Sulayman hails Lionel Messi as the one true GOAT, and his brace in Argentina’s 2005 U20 FIFA World Cup final win over Nigeria left a lasting impact on him. He also supports Chelsea at club level, having followed their dominance under Jose Mourinho. Sulayman also follows other leagues with Nigerian players like Eredivisie, Saudi Pro League, Turkish Super Lig, and more. When not writing, he enjoys cooking and eating.
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