Lamine Yamal, on the way to becoming Barca's new Messi

Barca's jackpot

Last Christmas, afterLamine YamalWith seven starts in La Liga and three in the Champions League, Barcelona's sporting department described the club as having won"lottery jackpot".

Several market studies also agree that the La Masia and Barca gem has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or.

Barca's expectations were further reinforced by the explosion of Lamine Yamal at EURO 2024. The boy who just turned 17 a few days ago has continuity and success with Spain, something that has not happened at Barca.

The question is whether Lamine can help Barca fill the huge void left by Lionel Messi three years ago.

At the very least, he recalls the emergence of Ronaldinho in 2003, a ray of light in a Barcelona universe that was sinking into darkness (having finished only 6th in La Liga before signing Ronnie).

The memory of Ansu Fati, whose future is currently unclear after returning to Barca after a loan spell, is a lesson for Lamine to tread more carefully.

Ansu was a victim of injuries and the burden that Barca placed on his shoulders when he first emerged as a prodigy.

Unlike Lamine, who was bathed by Messi himself as a child in a photo by Joan Montfort, part of a UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) event, Ansu had to take on the responsibility of replacing the Argentine legend with the number 10 shirt.

The weight is too much for a player who is already being squeezed out in Barca's urgent human and financial situation.

Emotional care and health

"We have to take better care of Lamine, and build a team that can compete in La Liga and the Champions League", some sports sector members warn.

At 17, Lamine's physical and mental health will depend on his preparation and the number of matches he plays with Barca and the EURO 2024 champions.

Barcelona health authorities said:"You have to learn to listen to your body and adjust your exposure. You can't play day in and day out. Look at how Carlos Alcaraz works".

Another warning given by medical experts on the biological side:"Lamine's physique is not that of a mature professional player to cope with the tight schedule, as seen at EURO 2024".

In Germany, coach Luis de la Fuente took care of Lamine personally, as well as building a collective atmosphere like a family for him to develop in the right direction.

In the De la Fuente family, Nico Williams was closest to Lamine. The Basque player was not only a friend and brother, but also acted as a guardian for Yamal when he was not yet 17 years old.

Nico Williams Key

Two decades ago, Ronaldo arrived and took Barcelona to new heights. At the same time, the Brazilian legend also helped Messi develop as a youngster, who had just joined the first team.

Looking at Spain's success, Barca has a direction for itself. It is a fresh football, in which the Catalan team wants to fulfill Lamine's desire: recruiting Nico Williams.

In Hansi Flick's plan, Xavi's replacement, he proposed a lineup with two pure wingers like Lamine and Nico.

Therefore, Barca are looking for every possible way to activate the contract termination clause worth 58 million euros between Nico Williams and Bilbao.

Competition is fierce, with Premier League clubs also keen on Nico. But Barca believe the 22-year-old would rather play with Lamine than go abroad. Sporting director Deco is speeding up talks with his agent.

Barca understand that a star with global influence is the way to reactivate business operations and optimize the club's brand, while competing with Real Madrid, which is very strong and has just welcomed Kylian Mbappe.

"Keep working, brother, because you can achieve anything you want.", Rodri whispered to Lamine as he lifted the EURO trophy, along with the Best Young Player and Best Goal awards.

Lamine is feeling very happy and hungry for victory at the age of 17. The journey to become the new Messi is being outlined by Barca with each careful step, from the lesson of Ansu Fati.