Yamal handed iconic Barcelona No 10 jersey

The No 10 shirt carries enormous weight at the Camp Nou, having been worn by Messi during his trophy-laden tenure at the club that shaped his career.

The Argentine claimed 34 trophies with Barcelona and departed as the club's all-time leading scorer with 672 goals, leaving after the 2020-21 season due to the club's financial troubles.

The No 10 has also graced the backs of Barca greats such as Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho, but Yamal said he would not be weighed down by its legacy.

"I'll try to build my own path, but all kids would like to be like them," Yamal said Wednesday at the club's announcement.

"All three have been incredible players, they're all legends, and I will try to follow in their footsteps."

"Messi paved the way with the No 10, I will make mine," Yamal told reporters.

"They are three soccer and club legends. Every kid dreams of having something from Messi, Ronaldinho and Maradona. I'll try to carry on that legacy.

"First, my dream was to debut for Barca and wear the No 10. Everyone who grows up here dreams of that. I'm grateful to the club."

Following Messi's exit, the jersey was passed to young winger Ansu Fati, but the now 22-year-old failed to live up to his early promise and he was eventually loaned out to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Fati will spend next season on loan at AS Monaco, clearing the way for Yamal to inherit one of soccer's most famous shirt numbers.

Having also won the European Championship with Spain last year, Yamal said his goal is to win all the other titles that are missing from his trophy cabinet.