Rivaldo expects Lamine Yamal to follow Lionel Messi's footsteps & don iconic No.10 number with Barcelona

The Spanish heaped praises for his qualities at a very young age.

Rivaldo, a former Barcelona star, believes Lamine Yamal will eventually wear the club’s recognizable number 10 shirt, just like Lionel Messi did.

The 17-year-old Spanish sensation is still enthralling fans worldwide with his performances. In the 2023–24 season, Yamal had a breakout year with Barcelona and Spain. He has now contributed 26 goals, featuring 10 goals in 29 games, in all competitions so far this season.

Speaking to SPORT, Rivaldo said: “He plays like he’s 25 years old, with a lot of experience, and he plays with ease. It has already been said that next season he will wear the number 10 shirt. With the personality he has, I’m sure he will soon be a candidate for best player in Europe and the world.

“He’s a player I admire, I like his style of play. He’s a jewel of Barcelona, a boy who deserves all the good things he’s achieving because of the person he is. You can see that he’s humble, he hasn’t let fame or money go to his head, and I really admire players who have that kind of attitude.”

Rivaldo, a Blaugrana icon, has praised the teenage sensation and the player’s skills on the field at a young age. who has made a significant impact and become the most popular figure at the club.

Lamine Yamal’s constant comparison to Lionel Messi

Yamal influence has been massive, and his ability to control the game provides Barcelona with an upper hand in every game as he is one of the best threats in attack, similar to Messi, who can create goals out of nowhere.

The legendary figure from Brazil also foresaw that Yamal would soon abandon the No. 19 shirt in favour of the recognizable No. 10 shirt, just like Messi did. Because of his flair and early promise, the Spain international has frequently been likened to the Argentine legend.

The Catalan powerhouses will return to action tonight when they play Valencia in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal.

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