Lionel Messi, the greatest soccer player of all time, has finally confirmed his move to Inter Miami in the MLS. The 35-year-old Argentine superstar announced his decision on Wednesday, ending months of speculation about his future after leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.
Messi said he chose Miami because he wanted a new challenge and a different lifestyle for him and his family. He also revealed that he had been in contact with David Beckham, the co-owner and president of Inter Miami, for a long time and was impressed by his vision and ambition for the club.
Messi will join Inter Miami in July, after playing for Argentina in the Copa America. He will be the biggest signing in the history of MLS and will undoubtedly boost the popularity and prestige of the league around the world.
But what number will Messi wear at Inter Miami? The answer is not so simple, as there are some complications and considerations involved.
The number 10 dilemma
Messi has worn the number 10 shirt throughout his illustrious career, both for club and country. He inherited the iconic number from Ronaldinho at Barcelona in 2008 and has made it his own ever since. He has scored 778 goals and provided 305 assists in 917 games wearing the number 10, winning 37 trophies and seven Ballon d’Or awards along the way.
The number 10 is also associated with some of the greatest players in soccer history, such as Pele, Maradona, Zidane and Platini. It represents creativity, leadership and excellence on the pitch.
However, the number 10 is already taken at Inter Miami by Rodolfo Pizarro, a Mexican midfielder who joined the club in 2020 as their second designated player. Pizarro is a key player for Inter Miami, having scored six goals and assisted four in 34 appearances so far. He is also a regular starter for the Mexico national team and has won four Concacaf Gold Cups.
Pizarro has said that he would be willing to give up his number 10 shirt for Messi if he asked for it, but he also admitted that he would like to keep it if possible. He said that he respects Messi a lot and that he would be honored to play with him, but he also has a sentimental attachment to his number.
Pizarro is not the only player who wears the number 10 at Inter Miami. The club’s USL League One affiliate, Fort Lauderdale CF, also has a number 10 in their roster: Edison Azcona, a 17-year-old Dominican-American winger who is one of the brightest prospects in the club’s academy. Azcona made his debut for Inter Miami in April and has scored one goal in six appearances so far.
Azcona has said that he idolizes Messi and that he would be happy to give up his number 10 shirt for him if he joined Inter Miami. He said that he would learn a lot from Messi and that he would try to emulate his style and work ethic.
The alternatives
If Messi decides not to take the number 10 shirt from Pizarro or Azcona, what other options does he have? Here are some possible alternatives:
- Number 30: This was Messi’s first number at Barcelona, when he made his debut as a 17-year-old in 2004. He wore it for two seasons before switching to number 19 and then number 10. It could be a nostalgic choice for Messi, as it represents his humble beginnings and his rise to stardom.
- Number 19: This was Messi’s second number at Barcelona, which he wore from 2006 to 2008. He also wore it for Argentina in the 2006 World Cup, when he scored his first goal for his country. It could be a symbolic choice for Messi, as it represents his transition from a promising talent to a world-class player.
- Number 35: This is Messi’s current age and also the number of trophies he won with Barcelona (including four Champions Leagues). It could be a proud choice for Messi, as it reflects his incredible achievements and his longevity in the game.
- Number 7: This is the number of Ballon d’Or awards Messi has won, more than any other player in history. It could be an ambitious choice for Messi, as it shows his hunger for more glory and his confidence in his abilities.
- Number 21: This is the number of seasons Messi played for Barcelona, from 2000 to 2021. It could be a respectful choice for Messi, as it honors his loyalty and dedication to his former club.
The verdict
Ultimately, the decision is up to Messi and Inter Miami. Whatever number he chooses, he will surely make it shine and delight the fans with his magic. Messi is a legend of the game and a joy to watch, no matter what shirt he wears.
If you are a fan of Messi and Inter Miami, you can show your support by buying his official jersey at Eletees, the best online store for soccer apparel and accessories. Eletees offers high-quality products, fast delivery and great customer service. Visit their website today and get your Messi jersey before they sell out!
Read more Messi in Miami: Why the Argentine Star Chose Beckham’s Club Over Barcelona and Al-Hilal
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