Ansu Fati Shines on Return to Starting XI — A Glimpse of Messi’s Heir
The heir to Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt made a triumphant return to Barcelona’s starting lineup for the first time since October 2024, putting in a standout performance against Mallorca that had fans dreaming once again.
Ansu Fati played 62 minutes and exited the pitch to a standing ovation from the Camp Nou faithful. It was a heartwarming moment, especially as he shared the field with fellow La Masia gem, Pedri — a duo that thrilled supporters with flashes of brilliance.
Fati looked sharp and fearless from the start. In the first half, he had two golden chances to score: one effort flew over the bar with his weaker foot, and a second — after linking up beautifully with Pedri — narrowly missed the post. Early in the second half, he unleashed a powerful strike from range, only to be denied by Leo Roman’s save.
Despite not getting on the scoresheet, Fati’s energy, aggression, and technical quality were on full display — a reminder of why he was once dubbed the next big thing in world football.
Barcelona fans and neutrals alike were left buzzing. This wasn’t just a good performance — it was a statement. Ansu Fati is back, and he’s ready to reclaim his place among the elite.
