Messi to Wear No. 10 for Inter Miami as He Embarks on a New Chapter
Argentine football icon Lionel Messi is set to wear the number ten jersey for Inter Miami, marking a fresh milestone in his storied career. The switch to the United States comes after a long association with the number ten at major clubs, most notably Barcelona, where the jersey became a symbol of his era. When Messi moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, the top ten number was taken by Neymar, prompting Messi to switch to number 30 during his time in Paris.
In a moment many fans cheered, the number ten at Inter Miami became available just as Messi arrived, and the club quickly reserved it for him. This choice underscores the anticipation around his arrival and the role he is expected to play in shaping Inter Miami’s ambitions in Major League Soccer.
Messi publicly confirmed on June 7 that he would continue his professional career with Inter Miami. He explained that his decision was not driven by finances; he noted that if money were the primary motivator, he could have joined the Saudi club Al Hilal, which reportedly offered a lucrative contract over three years. The emphasis, according to Messi, was on the opportunity to compete and contribute within a growing soccer market in North America. [Citation: Official Inter Miami announcement and press statements]
The timing of Messi’s move followed his final appearance for Paris Saint-Germain, which came on June 3 in a Ligue 1 match against Clermont. With his PSG contract expiring in June, Messi made the transfer as a free agent, allowing him to begin a new phase with Inter Miami. The move is part of a broader trend of top players heading to MLS and similar leagues as the sport continues to expand its reach in North America. [Citation: Ligue 1 season wrap and transfer coverage]
Around the same period, media and fans noted other high-profile moments in international football. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, long associated with Barcelona and the Poland national team, was photographed with tennis star Daniil Medvedev. The image highlighted the cross-sport attention and the global appeal of top players who engage with diverse audiences. [Citation: Sports media coverage and event photography]
Messi’s arrival is poised to influence Inter Miami’s on-field tactics, sponsorship landscape, and fan engagement strategy. Analysts anticipate that his experience, playmaking vision, and score-ticking instinct will help the team elevate its competitive standing in MLS. The club has signaled a renewed commitment to building a competitive roster around Messi while leveraging his leadership to attract fellow players, investors, and supporters from both the United States and Canada. [Citation: MLS coverage and club statements]
From a broader perspective, the move reflects the ongoing evolution of football careers that increasingly span multiple continents. Messi’s path illustrates how elite players can shape leagues beyond Europe, boosting popular interest, broadcasting reach, and youth participation in North America. As Inter Miami charts its course in a league that continues to grow, the Messi era is expected to become a defining chapter for the club and the sport in the region. [Citation: Global football trend analyses]