Lionel Messi's PSG Shirt Number Revealed Ahead Of Sensational Free Transfer

Lionel Messi is poised to return to his old shirt number at Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barcelona.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner had an emotional Barcelona farewell today and is now set to embark on a new chapter in the French capital, with the official announcement expected to come over the next few days.

Messi, who is ending a glorious 21-year association with the Blaugrana, is expected to sign a three-year contract at the Parc Des Princes.

It had had been reported by RMC that former teammate Neymar had offered to give his close friend the No.10 shirt but Messi, although appreciative, rejected the gesture from his close friend.

Instead, as per Julien Maynard of TeleFoot, Messi will take the No.19 - a number he knows fairly well.

After making his Barca debut with No.30 and playing with that on his back for two seasons, Messi took the No.19 in 2006 following the departure of Fernando Navarro.

He also wore 19 in his earlier days for the Argentine national team.

Image: PA

When Ronaldinho left Barca for Milan in 2008, Messi was the heir to the throne and wore the number with distinction.

Though Messi is no longer a Barca player, the club have not announced a new No.10 and could well retire the iconic shirt number in his honour.

Image: PA

Messi's compariot Sergio Aguero, who had been hoping to play with his best friend at club level, will wear the No.19 at Barca and fellow new signing Memphis Depay is to sport the No.9 on his back.

Asked about PSG in Sunday's presser, Messi said the move was "a possibility, but nothing is agreed".

He did also admit that several PSG players tried to tap him up during a recent holiday in Ibiza following the Copa America triumph.

"I met them in Ibiza, we met them one day, got together and we're friends," Messi explained.

"I was going to meet Paredes and Di Maria. Ney called me and said, 'Do you want to see me?"

"We uploaded the photo in that moment because we were having a good time and there was a joke at the time, they kept telling me, 'Come to Paris, come to Paris'.

"It was just a joke, that was all."

Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, Football, Barcelona, PSG, Neymar, Lionel Messi

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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