First Published: Aug 03, 2008 On World Cup Soccer.com
Barcelona's Argentine striker Lionel Messi will take over the number 10 shirt that was last worn by Brazil's Ronaldinho, who was transfered to AC Milan, the club said Sunday.
The number 10 shirt is usually the privilege of the club's star player.
Messi, 21, has until now worn the number 19, which has not been assigned to any other player for next season.
Brazilian Daniel Alves, a pre-season signing, was given the number 20, formerly worn by Portugal's Deco, who has gone to Chelsea.
Messi has joined the Argentina national squad for the Olympics in Beijing and will miss the Catalan club's US tour.
The Argentina international has been at the center of a tug of war between club and country with Barcelona trying to retain him for their Champions League qualifier tie in August.
Argentine Striker Lionel Messi - A Perfect 10
Ireivy Guerra
Jeisa Chiminazzo
Championship Game Fans
BCS National Championship
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Did Maradona wear #10 for Barca while he was there?
Big Chaco
Los Angeles , CA
Total Comments (1360)
In fact Maradona always wore the number 10.
GoldenThread
Morris , MN
Total Comments (326)
It's good that they give him the #10 but I hope he can handle the pressure.
Who's 7 at Barca?
ctsubasa
Philadelphia , PA
Total Comments (560)
eidur gudjohnsen wears #7
cavman5
Severna Park, MD
Total Comments (320)
ronaldinho is #80 at milan. seedorf didnt want to give his nuber up, so dinho is #80. i think its because he was born in 1980. i dont know.
cavman5
Severna Park, MD
Total Comments (320)
Hopefully Silva signs and gets the #7 after Eidur is shipped back to the EPL.
ctsubasa
Philadelphia , PA
Total Comments (560)
If there's anyone who can handle the pressure it's Messi, and he has already shown in preseason and in this morning's game with Argentina that he can handle the pressure, sure it's HIS team now and not Ronnie's but i think he can lead Barca back to glory and to some silverware! He had his best year last year and he hasn't peaked, so these next few years he should be an incredible sight to watch.
VISCA BARCA!
BarcaMesQueUnClub
Pasadena , CA
Total Comments (168)
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