The Argentina captain Lionel Messi had during his farewell press conference on Sunday confirmed amid tears that he is finally quitting Barcelona after 21 years of illustrious campaign.
Since the surprise announcement of Messi’s departure from Camp Nou, Paris Saint-Germain have long been tipped to be the former Barcelona captain’s likeliest destination.
The Ligue 1 giant have been considered favourites to land Messi following last week’s surprise announcement that the Argentine would be leaving Barcelona after 21 years at Camp Nou.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have claimed that the departure of their former captain is due to ‘financial and structural obstacles’.
It is believed that Messi is now set to link back up with his former Barcelona teammate Neymar, who joined PSG in a world-record €222m (£200m) deal in 2017.
Report from Marca had earlier suggested that Neymar has already offered the No.10 shirt he wears at PSG to Messi but it is believed that the Argentine has turned down the Brazilian’s offer.
However, PSG are now believed to be making arrangements for an alternative No.30 jersey number to be offered to Messi.
Though, No.30 which is primarily reserved for goalkeepers in Ligue 1 may not be the take for the majority of players, but it is of great significant for Messi as it symbolises the start of his professional career at Barcelona.
The former Barcelona captain wore the No.30 when he first broke into the first-team squad under Frank Rijkaard at Camp Nou.
Jersey No. 19 is also understood to be considered by PSG and Messi as an option.
Messi had worn the No. 19 for two seasons when he dropped the No. 30 after establishing himself as a key player at Barca.
Messi had thereafter inherited the No.10 shirt in 2008 when Ronaldinho left Barcelona to join AC Milan.