The start at FC Barcelona – Number 30
Lionel Messi made his debut in 2004 in the FC Barcelona shirt under manager Frank Rijkaard. The young Argentine wore number 30 at the time. This choice was not random: Messi deliberately chose number 30 to honour his friends and mentors Deco (20) and Ronaldinho (10), whose numbers together make 30 (20 + 10 = 30).
Wearing this shirt number, 17-year-old Messi made his debut at Camp Nou. It quickly became clear that he possessed exceptional qualities. His speed, technique, and modesty made him beloved by teammates and fans.
Breakthrough with number 19
When Messi officially became part of the first team, he was given number 19. With this number he finally broke through at the highest level.
One of his most memorable moments wearing number 19 was his hat-trick in El Clásico against Real Madrid , a match that definitively confirmed his status as a super talent.
Messi quickly became a key player in a star-studded team, with Ronaldinho as his great mentor.
The takeover of the legendary number 10
In 2008, Ronaldinho left for AC Milan , leaving the number 10 shirt vacant at Barcelona . The club didn't hesitate: the number went to Lionel Messi.
From that moment on, an era of unprecedented successes began:
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🏆 10 La Liga titles
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🏆 4 Champions League titles
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🏆 6 Ballon d'Ors during his Barcelona period
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⚽ More than 670 goals for FC Barcelona
The number 10 shirt at Barcelona became synonymous with genius, loyalty, and pure football poetry. Messi wore it until his departure in 2021, when Barcelona were unable to renew his contract due to financial difficulties.
Paris Saint-Germain – Back to number 30
In 2021, Messi moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His good friend Neymar Jr. already wore number 10 there, and Messi didn't want to take it away from him.
That's why he opted for number 30 again, the same number he wore on his debut for Barcelona.
At PSG Messi won:
Inter Miami – A new chapter with number 10
In 2023, Lionel Messi moved to Inter Miami , David Beckham's American club. There, he regained his familiar number 10.
With this shirt number he immediately led Inter Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup, the first major trophy in the club's history.
Messi's arrival changed not only the club, but American football itself. Stadiums are full, shirts are flying off the shelves, and his influence is visible everywhere.
Messi has since extended his contract with Inter Miami and fans hope he will continue to shine in his trusted number 10 shirt in the MLS for years to come.
Messi's shirt numbers for Argentina
The Beginning – Number 18
Messi's first international success came in 2005, when he won the U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands wearing number 18. During that tournament, he even played in the FC Emmen stadium, a special treat for Dutch fans.
National team debut – Number 19
Messi made his debut for the Argentina national team later that same year wearing number 19. Number 10 was then held by playmaker Juan Román Riquelme, a legend in Argentina.
The takeover of number 10
When Riquelme retired from international football in 2008, Messi was assigned the number 10 .
From that moment on he became the leader of his generation.
Wearing the number 10 on his back, he led Argentina to:
The image of Messi holding the World Cup trophy, with number 10 on the back, is one of the most iconic moments in football history.
Overview: Lionel Messi's shirt numbers
| Team / Country |
Period |
Race number |
Remark |
| FC Barcelona |
2004–2005 |
30 |
First steps under Frank Rijkaard |
| FC Barcelona |
2005–2008 |
19 |
Breakthrough and Clásico hat-trick |
| FC Barcelona |
2008–2021 |
10 |
Legendary era |
| Paris Saint-Germain |
2021–2023 |
30 |
New start in France |
| Inter Miami |
2023–present |
10 |
Icon of the MLS |
| Argentina U20 |
2005 |
18 |
U20 World Cup victory in the Netherlands |
| Argentina |
2005–2008 |
19 |
Debut in the national team |
| Argentina |
2008–present |
10 |
World champion and captain |
