With Lionel Messi being one of the most famous footballers to have ever worn the No. 10 jersey, it is perhaps strange to see him sporting a different shirt number at Paris Saint-Germain. Here's why he chose to wear No.30 in France.
Since Ronaldinho left Barcelona for AC Milan in 2008, the No. 10 and Messi seemed inseparable. As well as winning his first of seven Ballon d'Or's during that first season with the iconic number, he won the treble with the Catalan giants.
Many years removed from that historic season, the Argentine no longer dons the famous red and blue of the Blaugrana and now plies his trade in the French capital for PSG and has No.30 at the back of his jersey.
Reports suggest that his close friend and teammate Neymar offered him the No. 10 at Paris, but the 34-year-old refused and opted to revert to another number he is familiar with.
Messi chose 30 because there is sentimental value to it in his career, according to Goal.
On October 16th 2004, in the El derbi Barceloni (Barca vs. Espanyol), a 17-year-old Messi would replace Portuguese midfielder Deco in the 82nd minute to make his debut for Barca wearing the No. 30.
That would be the former Barcelona captain's number for the next two seasons, and, with it, he would play for the Spanish side a total of 34 times and find the back of the net on nine occasions across all competitions.
He would go on to wear the No. 19 before being the heir to Ronaldinho's throne when he took on the mantle of being Barca's No. 10 once the Brazilian departed.
