What jersey number will Lionel Messi have at Inter Miami? Possible shirt for World Cup winner in MLS

Lionel Messi is all set to join Inter Miami in MLS following his exit from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Argentina international announced his departure from Paris amid interest from MLS, Saudi Arabia, and former club Barcelona. Inter Miami have confirmed a deal has been reached with Messi as the club prepares for a wave of fan excitement ahead of his formal unveiling.

A transfer back to Barcelona proved to be impossible due to the Spanish champions' need to fall in line with financial fair play rules. Despite a very lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, Messi opted for Miami.

The World Cup winner already owns a house in Miami and his friend and former team-mate Sergio Aguero also lives in the city. It is reported the deal proposed by Inter Miami also includes collaboration with brands including Adidas and Apple.

With Messi set to turn out for Inter Miami soon, The Sporting News looks at potential jersey numbers he could wear.

MORE: Watch MLS Season Pass on Apple TV at 50% off the full-season price

What jersey numbers has Lionel Messi worn before?

Throughout his club career, Lionel Messi has worn three different jersey numbers either with Barcelona or PSG.

When he was promoted to the senior team at La Blaugrana during the 2004/05 season, he wore the No. 30 shirt.

Towards the end of the following campaign, Messi switched to No. 19. He was still not a regular starter at this point in his career, but he was clearly growing into a highly promising asset for the Spanish giants.

At the start of the 2008/09 season, Messi inherited the famous No. 10 shirt from his first-team mentor Ronaldinho. He donned the number for the rest of his career in Spain, becoming synonymous with that particular jersey.

After announcing his move to the capital of France, there were a few question marks over what number he would wear. His close friend Neymar occupied the No. 10, but reportedly offered it to Messi. He kindly declined and chose to go back to No. 30.

Messi has worn the No. 10 shirt for most of his Argentina career, but he wore both 18 and 19 in his early days as well as 15 in their Olympics success in 2008.

MORE: From Paris to Miami: Tracking the full timeline of Messi's move to MLS

What jersey numbers are available for Lionel Messi at Inter Miami?

There are 30 players on the Inter Miami roster in the 2023 season. As of July 10, they are bottom of the Eastern Conference in MLS, having lost 13 of their 21 league matches.

Messi would be able to claim the No. 10 jersey if he wanted to as it's presently unoccupied at Inter Miami. The 19 and 30 shirts are worn by Robbie Robinson and Benjamin Cremaschi, respectively. 

The chances of a Messi reunion with No.10 look almost certain, with sports outlet Fantatics already selling 'Messi 10' jerseys, and reports from the Miami Herald claim the shirt could be become the most sold jersey in sporting history.

Star forward Josef Martinez , who joined the club in January 2023, wears No. 17. Five, six, eight and 11 are also available to Messi or any other new signings.

Inter Miami 2023 roster and jersey numbers