As a tribute to his hero and compatriot Diego Maradona, Messi chose to wear the iconic number 10 jersey made famous by Maradona at the 1986 World Cup.

Maradona was not only a legendary player, but also a national hero in Argentina, and Messi grew up idolizing him. Wearing the number 10 shirt was a way for Messi to pay tribute to his hero and honor his legacy on the world stage.

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Messi’s decision to wear the number 10 shirt was a powerful symbol of respect and admiration for Maradona. It also heralded Messi’s own rise to greatness, as he is one of the greatest players of all time and inherits the mantle of the Argentine soccer icon.

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Today, Maradona’s legacy lives on through Messi and other players who continue to wear Argentina’s number 10 shirt. And while Messi may have become a legend in his own right, he will always remember the impact Maradona had on his life and career, both on and off the pitch.