Explained: Why did Lionel Messi choose jersey number 30 at PSG?

Within days of FC Barcelona’s announcement that the Catalan club will have to let go of footballing star Lionel Messi given their financial conditions, Paris Saint-Germain quickly roped in the ‘Little Magician’ and unveiled their latest signing on Tuesday.

Messi has signed a two-year deal at the Parisian club with the option of a third.

However, as he stepped into the Parc des Princes stadium, the 34-year-old was seen donning the PSG jersey but not with the iconic Number 10 imprinted on the back. He chose the No. 30 shirt at his new club.

Also read: ‘Very happy’ Lionel Messi ready to play with the best at PSG

But why did Lionel Messi not choose the No. 10 jersey?

At Barcelona, Messi wore the No. 10 shirt for over a decade, however, at PSG, it was his friend and former teammate Neymar, who draped the iconic number.

Although Neymar reportedly offered Messi to take the shirt number for himself, Messi denied it as the 34-year-old didn’t want to take it off the Brazilian.

Then Messi was reportedly also offered the No 19 — his second shirt number at Barcelona– by the club but opted for No 30.

Why did Messi choose the Number 30?

Lionel Messi chose the No. 30 shirt number as it was the first number he had worn in Barcelona’s first team.

However, in France, it is a shirt number usually reserved for the third-choice goalkeeper. So it will have to be seen whether the Argentine can keep the number of his choice.

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Lionel Messi on signing with PSG

Upon signing with the new club, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner told PSG’s official website: “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.”