On May 27, Lamine Yamal signed a contract extension until 2031, and everything pointed to him being crowned with the legendary No. 10 shirt—once worn by icons like Messi. But after his controversial 18th birthday party—gangster-themed and criticized for the inclusion of people with dwarfism—the club decided to delay the official act and keep it private.

A symbolic gesture, handled quietly

Barça had initially planned to unveil the renewal, the new number, and the official jersey all at once. But the fear that the attention might shift to the controversy led the club to organize a low-key event at the Ciutat Esportiva, attended by Laporta, Deco, and Yamal’s family.

A historic number… without public pressure

Wearing Messi’s shirt carries enormous symbolic weight—especially for a player still just 17. Yamal had already hinted at his love for Barça legends by posting childhood photos with Messi and Ronaldinho. Now, by inheriting the No. 10, his image and legacy begin to grow, albeit outside the usual media spotlight.

A bright future, image carefully managed

With the new jersey launched without the No. 10—and fans wondering if they could personalize it—Barça wants this transition to be clean, controlled, and meaningful, without being overshadowed by party backlash. The private handover will become a symbol of a new era at the Camp Nou.