The 22-year-old's career has been marked by highs and lows, including a meniscus injury that kept him out for nine months in 2020. He returned to action wearing the iconic No.10 shirt but struggled to regain his form, and even a loan move to Brighton couldn't be deemed a success.
Now, with the possibility of a loan deal to Monaco looming, Barcelona may hand the No.10 shirt to new teen sensation Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old has broken numerous records at the club and has set new ones in European competition and for Spain, but he's also facing the pressure of living up to the legacy of Lionel Messi.
Lamine's rapid rise to fame has drawn comparisons to Messi, but the young player is already establishing his own identity on the pitch. However, the constant comparisons and expectations may be taking a toll on him, and Barcelona needs to be mindful of not putting too much pressure on him.
The club's history of fast-tracking youngsters into the senior team has set a precedent that could lead to similar situations in the future. Lamine's career is still in its early stages, and it's essential for Barcelona to take a long-term view of his development, rather than rushing him into the spotlight.
As Lamine navigates the challenges of fame and pressure, he can learn from the experiences of Ansu Fati and Pedri, who both faced similar situations in the past. By taking a more balanced approach, Barcelona can help Lamine grow into a talented player who can thrive in the spotlight without being weighed down by excessive expectations.