Nicolas Otamendi brutally mocked Ansu Fati in Benfica's win over Barcelona last night by asking him, "Are you Leo?".
Following Lionel Messi's exit from Barcelona and subsequent free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, the Blaugrana felt Ansu Fati was the fitting choice to inherit his iconic No.10 shirt.
The 18-year-old, a fellow La Masia wonderkid, had debuted with No.37 on his back and wore No.22 when promoted to the first-team last term.
But after returning from injury with a goal against Levante at the weekend following a lengthy lay-off, Fati is the real beacon of hope in a Barcelona set-up riddled with issues.
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However, Otamendi, who has played with Messi for years with Argentina, wasn't having it whatsoever.
When Fati fouled him late on in the 3-0 loss, Otamendi taunted the youngster for wearing the No.10 shirt.
Barca fell to a second consecutive 3-0 defeat in the Champions League, with Darwin Nunez striking twice either side of a strike from Rafa Silva.
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The Blaugrana also had Eric Garcia sent off late on for two yellow cards and are now winless in their last five European fixtures.
Fati wearing the same shirt as Ronaldinho and Messi is a huge sign of the faith the club have placed in him at such a young age, and it's a proud achievement for him and his family.
When his new number was announced, Fati's father, Bori, went down to the stadium store to buy eight replica shirts.
"I couldn't sleep," Fati senior told Deportes Cuatro of his excitement.
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"I said to myself, as soon as the shop opens I've got to be there.
"I have no words to describe what it means that Ansu inherits the 10 from Leo Messi . I have no words. It is a moment of emotion that must be kept forever."
Featured Image Credit: Image: ESPNTopics: Lionel Messi, Ansu Fati, Barcelona, Benfica, Champions League
