SUMMARY
- Vitor Roque, who previously played for Athletico Paranaense, has officially joined Barcelona and received his new squad number.
- Lionel Messi is most known for wearing No. 10 at Camp Nou, but he also spent two seasons in the first squad wearing No. 19.
The Spanish giants FC Barcelona have completed the signing of talented Brazilian Victor Roque who has been tipped to be one of the best players in soccer shortly. Victor has been exceptionally well in his prior club, Athletico Paranaense in the Brazilian league.
Not only that, Lionel Messi’s former squad number will be worn by Vitor Roque. At Camp Nou, Vitor Roque, who previously played for Athletico Paranaense, has officially joined Barcelona and received his new squad number. Following in Messi’s footsteps, the Brazilian will play all season long with the No. 19 shirt.
Victor Roque is our new No.19 ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/tyhs5ygkQT
— NoahDCulér (@NoahDCuler) January 2, 2024
The legendary player from Barcelona, Lionel Messi is most known for wearing No. 10 at Camp Nou, but he also spent two seasons in the first squad wearing No. 19, which he switched to after Ronaldinho departed the team. Following a lackluster season opener, Barcelona is hopeful Vitor Roque can turn things around. After 18 games this season, Xavi’s team is seven points below leaders Girona and has struggled in front of goal.
Franck Kessie, a midfielder, was the last member to wear the No. 19 shirt at Barcelona. In recent seasons, Martin Braithwaite, Sergio Aguero, and Ferran Torres have all used the same number. Victor has already begun practicing with Xavi’s team, and he will be looking to make his league debut when the reigning La Liga winners go back to play in 2024.
Why did Lionel Messi wear the 19-number jersey at FC Barcelona in his young days?
The No. 30 shirt was given to Messi by club executives when he initially appeared on the scene at the age of 16. One could argue that the number lacked historical significance. Messi seized the shirt from backup goalie Ruben Martinez; it had previously belonged to Mario Rosas, an offensive midfielder, Oleguer, and David Bermudo, both centerbacks.
Messi had 33 G/A in his first season while wearing the No.19 shirt.
I’m not expecting that much but Victor Roque what do you have for me? 🥺 pic.twitter.com/cBrHmVcE4b
— Sheriff (@Sheriff_FCB) December 27, 2023
Messi’s position in the starting lineup was assured after two years of wearing 30. The No. 19 shirt that Patrick Kluivert had worn was available after left-back Fernando Navarro left, and Messi snapped it. Ronaldinho was wearing the No. 10, the shirt he had always desired. Even though the man himself was confident in the Argentine’s skill, there would be no taking it off of him.
Lionel Messi went on to become one of the greatest soccer players of all time winning almost every accolade available in the sport. He is one of the most decorated soccer players in history and the numbers that he wore in his career will always be iconic and spoken about in the soccer community for years to come.
