UEFA Euro 2024: Jamal Musiala reveals Lionel Messi as the inspiration to wear ‘No.10’ jersey

The Bayern star will don the No.10 at Euro 2024

Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala has revealed that Lionel Messi was the inspiration behind his desire to don the jersey No.10 for the Germany national team. The 21-year-old is all set to wear the No1.10 shirt at the UEFA Euro 2024 for Die Mannschaft in June and said that it’s a ‘special’ feeling.

Of all the No.10s around the world, Messi is truly the most iconic figure to wear it. His remarkable accomplishments have become a source of inspiration for budding footballers, while also giving a legendary status to the jersey.

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Musiala is now set to join the list of players who don the No.10 on the international stage, like Messi, as Serge Gnabry, Germany’s No.10 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, hasn’t been called up to the side’s double-header this month against France and the Netherlands by head coach Julian Naglesmann.

Speaking to the press, Musiala revealed that it’s been his dream to wear shirt for his country, and now being able to realize his dream is special. He said:

“Becoming Germany’s number 10? Yes, I think the number 10 has been a dream for me since I was a little kid, whenever I watched Messi… But I won’t let it get to my head. It feels really special to be able to wear the number 10.”

Given the player’s meteoric rise to stardom in recent years, it’s not surprising to see Musiala take the No.10. He’s an important attacking figure in Bayern’s set-up and can replicate a similar role with Germany. Meanwhile, Toni Kroos, who returns from international retirement, takes No.3, and Leon Goretzka takes No.8.

Jamal Musiala prefers Messi over Ronaldo

From his comments, it’s clear that Musiala is a fan of Lionel Messi more than Cristiano Ronaldo. The extra-terrestrial duo have long dominated the football discourse, with players and managers alike giving their opinion on the age-old debate over who’s the better player. Now with the stars in the twilight of their careers, their rivalry has fizzled out, but their influence clearly hasn’t yet waned.

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