INTER MIAMI seemed to leak Lionel Messi’s new shirt number with a happy birthday post for their new superstar.
The Argentine legend turned 36 on Saturday.
And his new side took to Twitter with a less-than-cryptic post hinting at which number Messi will wear.
Inter Miami posted an image of a black brick wall with the words “Feliz Cumplio” written in pink graffiti-style text – although the first “e” was missing.
The “m” was in the font used on the club’s badge.
But the tell-tale sign was the “io” being replaced by “10” and changed to white to stand out.
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It clearly implies Messi will be wearing his famous No10 jersey when he lines up for the Herons for the remainder of the 2023 MLS season.
Messi wore the iconic number for many years at Barcelona and continues to do so as Argentina captain.
However, he was forced to revert back to No30 when he joined Paris Saint-Germain because Neymar held the number.
The No10 is available at Inter Miami because Messi’s former international team-mate Gonzalo Higuain retired.
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Inter Miami owner David Beckham also took to social media to wish the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner a happy birthday and wrote: “Here we go my friend, special year ahead,” followed by pink, black and white hearts.
Messi confirmed in an interview in early June he would be leaving PSG to head to Miami on a free transfer.
And although Inter Miami put out a video all-but confirming his arrival, the deal is still yet to be formally announced as final formalities are sorted out over the two-and-a-half-year £47million-a-year contract.
Messi is currently on holiday back home in Argentina with his family, enjoying some down-time after a long season that saw him win Ligue 1 and the World Cup.
He scored a hat-trick – including a free-kick and a cheeky chip – in a testimonial for Maxi Rodriguez on Saturday night.
Messi is expected to make his Inter Miami debut in their Leagues Cup clash with Liga MX’s Cruz Azul on July 21.
And tickets for the Barcelona legend’s club bow are selling in the thousands on resale platforms.
Messi could be joined by some familiar faces when he settles into life in Miami – at his stunning £7m apartment.
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Sergio Busquets has followed him to Beckham’s club while Jordi Alba could also be heading to the DRV PNK Stadium.
And former Barca manager Tata Martino confirmed he is in negotiations to take over from Phil Neville as the permanent boss – with fellow Argentine Javier Morales currently in charge on an interim basis.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
