5 best players to have worn jersey number 30

#3 Thiago Alcântara (Barcelona | 2010-2011)

Thiago flashing the jersey number 30 for Barcelona

Thiago is best known for donning the jersey number 6 throughout his career, wearing the renowned figure on his back for Bayern Munich and now Liverpool. The Spaniard had to go through several jersey numbers before settling on 11 during his Barcelona days. One of those numerous options just happened to be the same as the topic of this conversation: 30.

Thiago shares one more similarity with former teammate Lionel Messi. The Italy-born midfielder also came through the ranks of La Masia, starring for the B-team, and compelled Barcelona to take notice of his talents, just like the Argentine.

The midfield maestro was highly rated by Pep Guardiola and subsequently signed for him during his tenure as Bayern boss.

Liverpool with Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara starting in the midfield in 2021: 🏟 8 games 🔴 8 wins @_fabinhotavares 🇧🇷 @Thiago6 🇪🇦 pic.twitter.com/bNg5B6ESz4

— The Red 🔴 Johnsen (@JohnsenStle) August 8, 2021

In Bavaria, Thiago established himself as one of the best deep-lying playmakers on the planet, winning multiple pieces of silverware with Bayern Munich. After a treble-winning 2019-20 season, the 30-year-old midfielder was signed by Liverpool for a cut-price rate of €22m. Despite experiencing a tumultuous debut season at Anfield, things are looking brighter for the Spanish international this term.

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#2 Luca Toni (Fiorentina, Roma | 2005-2007 and 2012-2013, 2010)

Toni plugging in his signature celebratory move

A quintessential journeyman, Luca Toni was a true legend of the game. Having played for as many as 15 professional clubs, the flashy Italian registered over 300 goals during his 22-year long career. He is currently the fourth-highest Italian goalscorer of all time.

The sturdy striker represented the likes of Bayern Munich and Juventus during his illustrious career. However, his best individual season came as a Fiorentina player, scoring a record-breaking 31 Serie A goals which won him the European Golden Shoe in 2006. He famously donned jersey number 30 on his back during his most prolific outings on the pitch.

Having finished as the top-scorer in almost all the competitions he participated in, Toni upped the ante by scoring 22 goals with Hellas Verona at the ripe old age of 38. The mercurial legend retired in 2016, after achieving this insurmountable feat.

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#1 Lionel Messi (Barcelona, PSG | 2004-2006, 2021-)

Messi revolutionized jersey number 10 during his time with Barcelona

Of course, it is Lionel Messi at number one. The man who ignited a conversation about jersey numbers, Messi has consistently dominated all headlines over the past few weeks, owing to his controversial move to PSG.

Despite agreeing to a reported 50 per cent wage cut in an attempt to extend his 21-year stay, he was unceremoniously ousted from Barcelona due to La Liga's austere regulations.

• Lionel Messi is the BIGGEST icon in world football😳 pic.twitter.com/o1Je3w8gyu

— Team Leo (@TeamLeo10i) August 11, 2021

Lionel Messi subsequently became the most lucrative free agent of all time, with his current market value sitting at a whopping €80m. PSG quickly capitalized on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, signing the 34-year-old Argentine on a €40m pre-tax annual salary.

After rejecting Neymar's kind gesture, Lionel Messi was apparently left with the choices of numbers 19 and 30. PSG's backup goalkeeper Alexandre Letellier wholeheartedly agreed to vacate jersey number 30 to welcome the Argentine to the French capital.

With Lionel Messi choosing to reminisce on his youth over continuing his legacy with the fabled jersey number 10, his tenure at PSG is already off to a soothing start.

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