Ronaldinho wore the number 10 shirt at Barcelona. When Ronaldinho Left Barcelona, Messi began wearing the number 10 shirt, a shirt he still wears today.
It may be just a jersey number, but the story behind how Messi ended up with the Barcelona number 10 jersey after Ronaldinho left is actually pretty interesting.
It turns out Ronaldinho had Messi pegged as his successor for a while before he left, which makes sense. Messi was one of those rare super-hyped young players who turns out to be even better than the hype. We though Messi could be one of the best players in the world. We had no idea this was coming.
This Barca TV video delves into the relationship between Messi and Ronaldinho: how it began, how it blossomed and how it continues today. The fact that Ronaldinho, Messi and Carles Puyol are still so friendly says a lot about the culture at Barcelona.
A few key moments: Messi'd first goal for Barca (set up by Ronaldinho), Ronaldinho's return to Barcelona with AC Milan (friendly and celebratory) and Ronaldinho receiving a Messi jersey from his buddy Messi.
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus
