Why is Lionel Messi number 30 at PSG? The reason behind his new squad number in Paris

Why is Lionel Messi number 30 at PSG? The reason behind his new squad number in Paris

Lionel Messi will be wearing the number 30 shirt at Paris Saint-Germain, changing from the number 10 he has sported at Barcelona since 2008.

The 34-year-old has signed for PSG on a two-year deal after his shock departure from Barca due to the club's woeful financial situation.

He joins a squad full of stars, and despite being arguably the world's best player, he has not been handed a squad number traditionally reserved for a player in the starting XI.

Messi did actually have the chance to keep his iconic #10 shirt, with his friend Neymar reportedly offering to give up the number for him, but the new signing declined.

The two likely options for the global superstar were his former numbers at Barcelona, which were #19 and #30.

Why is Lionel Messi number 30 at PSG? The reason behind his new squad number in Paris

Messi opted for the latter, going all the way back to the start of his Barcelona career, when he wore the number 30 on his debut in 2003.

The number 30 in Ligue 1 is traditionally taken by the third choice goalkeeper, with Alexandre Letellier having that shirt before the arrival of Messi, but he has given it up for his new teammate.

The six-time Balon d'Or winner wore #30 at Barcelona until 2006 when he switched to #19, before taking the #10 when Ronaldinho left in 2008.

On joining his new club, Messi said: 'I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain. Everything about the club matches my football ambitions.

'I know how talented the squad and the coaching staff are here. I am determined to help build something special for the club and the fans, and I am looking forward to stepping out onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes.'

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