Lionel Messi’s incredible skill, agility, and unparalleled talent on the field make him undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers of all time. Messi has cemented his status as a true legend of the sport by winning numerous awards and accolades throughout his illustrious career. However, one aspect of Messi’s career that often goes overlooked is the meaning behind his iconic number 14 jersey. In this article, we’ll examine Messi’s journey and the significance behind his chosen number.
Messi 14 Early Career and the Number 30
Messi began his football career at a young age, playing for various youth teams in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. When he signed with Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, at 13, he was assigned the number 30 jersey. It was a nod to his father’s favorite player, Jorge Valdano, who had worn the number during his career. Soon after, Messi quickly established himself as a notable player on the field and secured a spot on Barcelona’s senior team. In 2004, he first appeared in a competitive match, wearing the number 30 jersey. Over the next few seasons, Messi continued to impress with his skill and speed, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
The Switch to Number 19
Messi changed his jersey number to 19 during the 2006-2007 season. According to some reports, he did so to distance himself from the reserve team’s association with the number 30 and establish himself as a first-team player. Additionally, the number 19 is considered a lucky number in Argentina because it represents the country’s Independence Day. During this season, Messi continued dominating the field, scoring 17 goals and helping Barcelona win the La Liga title.
The Iconic Number 10
In 2008, Messi switched his jersey number again, choosing to wear the number 10. This number is traditionally associated with the team’s playmaker or attacking midfielder, and football’s biggest legends, such as Diego Maradona and Pele, have worn it in the past. Wearing the number 10 was a huge honor for Messi, and he quickly proved that he was worthy of the legacy of the number. Over the next few years, he continued to dominate the field, winning four consecutive Ballon d’Or awards and helping Barcelona win numerous titles, including the Champions League.
The Legacy of Number Messi 14
In 2011, Messi decided to switch to the number 14 jersey. Although the change initially confused some fans, Messi quickly clarified the reasoning behind his decision. He chose to wear the number 14 as a tribute to his childhood idol, Juan Roman Riquelme, who had inspired him to pursue a career in football. Since making the switch, Messi has continued to thrive on the field since making the switch, winning numerous awards and accolades. He has also established himself as a leader on the Argentine national team, wearing the number 10 jersey for his country.
Conclusion
Throughout his career, Lionel Messi 14 has worn several different jerseys, each with unique significance. Messi’s jersey choices have reflected his growth and development from the number 30. He wore, as a young player the iconic number 10. However, it is the number 14 that truly stands out, representing the legacy of his childhood hero. The inspiration behind his incredible career.
