Barcelona's Argentine striker Lionel Messi will take over the number 10 shirt that was last worn by Brazil's Ronaldinho, who was transfered to AC Milan, the club said Sunday.
The number 10 shirt is usually the privilege of the club's star player.
Messi, 21, has until now worn the number 19, which has not been assigned to any other player for next season.
Brazilian Daniel Alves, a pre-season signing, was given the number 20, formerly worn by Portugal's Deco, who has gone to Chelsea.
Messi has joined the Argentina national squad for the Olympics in Beijing and will miss the Catalan club's US tour.
The Argentina international has been at the centre of a tug of war between club and country with Barcelona trying to retain him for their Champions League qualifier tie in August.
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