Mirroring Messi's WC debut, Yamal to wear number 19 in FIFA WC
Madrid, June 2
Spanish football sensation Lamine Yamal will be wearing the jersey number 19 on his FIFA World Cup debut this year, mirroring Lionel Messi's debut at the grandest stage with Argentina, leaving the number 10 for another star teammate, reported World Soccer Talk.
As per World Soccer Talk, Yamal has been given the 19 number shirt, the number he wore while rising to stardom in Barcelona, before taking Lionel Messi's number 10 jersey, and the one he has proudly donned during his young international career so far having made debut in 2023.
Since his debut in September 2023, the 18-year-old has preferred this number, playing a crucial role in Spain's Euro 2024 title win and a runners-up finish in the UEFA League with number 19 on his back.
Last week, Spanish head coach Luis de la Fuente unveiled his 26-man team for the World Cup, which for the first time ever had no players from Real Madrid, who had a trophyless season. On Monday, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced the squad's shirt numbers.
Spain's number 10 jersey, which Yamal wore during his past season with Barcelona, will be with teammate Dani Olmo, who has been wearing the jersey since 2024. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the number 10 belonged to Marco Asensio, who has since been dropped from the team.
Spain is in Group H with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay and will start their campaign in Atlanta against Cape Verde from June 15.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I find this a bit unnecessary. Let the boy create his own identity rather than constantly being compared to Messi. He's already proven himself with Euro 2024 win. But sahi hai, Indian fans love these connections. 😄
Just imagine, Yamal at 18 already matching Messi's WC debut number! And no Real Madrid players in Spain's squad for the first time? That's quite bold move from de la Fuente. Spain vs Uruguay in Group H will be interesting match. 🇮🇳⚽
As a football fan from Australia, I'd argue the real story here is Spain having zero Real Madrid players for the first time ever. That's a massive statement. Yamal wearing 19 is just a nice coincidence but shouldn't be the headline.
Cricket se thoda break lekar football bhi dekhna padega! This Yamal kid is special - won Euro at 17 and now leading Spain's attack. Main to sirf India ko World Cup mein dekhna chahti hun but tab tak Spain ko support karein. 😊 The 19 jersey suits him perfectly.
Interesting trivia but honestly, numbers don't make the player. Messi became Messi regardless of what number he wore. Yamal has his own path to forge, and he's doing brilliantly so far. Let's see if he can handle the pressure of being compared to the GOAT.
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