Lionel Messi picks new PSG shirt number after agreeing deal to leave Barcelona

Lionel Messi has agreed a two-year deal to join Paris Saint-Germain and has elected to wear the No.30 shirt, with his move to the French giants set to be announced imminently.

The Argentine confirmed he would be leaving Camp Nou after 21 years at the club during a tearful press conference on Sunday, receiving a standing ovation from the Barca players, legends, coaches and board members in attendance.

Reports in Catalonia claim the club’s hierarchy made one last attempt to convince Messi to stay late last night, but it was to no avail.

Shortly after midday on Tuesday, L’Equipe reported that Messi had reached a full agreement with PSG on a two-year deal – with the option for a third – in what is one of the most lucrative contracts in world football.

Messi had still been at his home in Barcelona but as soon as the deal was struck several cars left his house and made their way to Barcelona’s El Prat airport, with the 34-year-old now en route to Paris to be officially unveiled.

The Argentine will earn around €40million (£33m) per season after tax, in addition to a hefty signing-on fee, and Barca have already been installed as the bookie’s favourite to win this season’s Champions League.

Interestingly, Messi has worn the No.10 for most of his career – with both Barcelona and Argentina – but rejected teammate Neymar’s offer to take the number at PSG.

Instead, Argentinian journalist Veronica Brunati has revealed that Messi has opted to don the No.30, which is generally reserved for goalkeepers in Ligue 1 but special dispensation will be given to the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to wear it.

The number has special significance for the forward, having worn it in his debut season with Barcelona all the way back in 2004 – 17 years ago.

He had also been weighing up the No.19, which he wore for two seasons before inheriting the No.10 shirt from Ronaldinho when the Brazilian legend left to join AC Milan in 2008, but he has chosen to return to the number where it all started.

Messi’s capture rounds off a remarkable window for PSG, who also signed Gianluigi Donnarumma, Georginio Wijnaldum and Sergio Ramos on free transfers as well as landing Achraf Hakimi from Inter.

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