Barcelona are preparing to bestow Lionel Messi's iconic No.10 shirt upon teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, following the 17-year-old's decision to commit his future to the LaLiga champions with a new contract.

According to Mail Sport, Barcelona view Yamal as the most significant talent to emerge since Messi himself burst onto the football scene nearly two decades ago. The Spanish club's faith in the youngster is reflected in their decision to hand him the legendary jersey that has remained synonymous with Messi's legacy at Camp Nou.

Yamal has established himself as one of Europe's premier footballers this season and is reportedly in contention for the Ballon d'Or following his Euro championship success with Spain last year. His meteoric rise has convinced Barcelona's hierarchy that he is worthy of inheriting the prestigious number.

The young star will celebrate his 18th birthday in July by signing a long-term contract with Barcelona that will include an extraordinary €1 billion release clause, underlining the club's determination to secure his services for the foreseeable future.

Currently wearing the No.19 shirt, Yamal will take over the No.10 from Ansu Fati, whose future at Barcelona remains uncertain. Fati, once considered the heir to Messi's throne, now faces the prospect of losing both his place in the team and the iconic jersey.

This significant gesture by Barcelona demonstrates their confidence in Yamal's potential to carry forward the club's rich attacking tradition established by his Argentine predecessor, who departed the club in 2021 after two decades of unprecedented success.