Barcelona Teenager, Ansu Fati Inherits Lionel Messi’s Barcelona Number 10 Shirt

Ansu Fati, a teenage Barcelona prodigy, has taken over Lionel Messi’s number 10 shirt after the Argentine talisman left for French club PSG.

The 18-year-old forward, a product of the club’s renowned La Masia academy, has been out since November 2020 after suffering a ruptured meniscus in a victory over Real Betis.

However, Ansu Fati will now take over the iconic jersey upon his return, according to the club, after financial issues prevented Barcelona from awarding Messi a new contract.

Fati, regarded as one of the most exciting young prospects in world football, made his debut for Barcelona in August 2019 and became the club’s youngest ever player to score in La Liga for the club a week later in the 2-2 draw at Osasuna.

The official statement from Barcelona reads as follows:

“Ansu Fati has a new shirt number. After wearing the number 22 then 17, the young Barça striker will proudly wear the number 10 shirt – a famous jersey previously worn by legends such as Leo Messi, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo. ”

After Ronaldinho’s departure in 2008, Messi took over the No. 10 shirt.

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