Looking to replicate Messi! Roque handed legendary Argentine former shirt number
Vitor Roque looking to replicate Lionel Messi! New Barcelona signing handed legendary Argentine's former shirt number
Barcelona have confirmed new signing Vitor Roque will wear a squad number that used to belong to Lionel Messi.
Vitor Roque has completed his move to Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense and has now been handed his new squad number at the Camp Nou. The Brazilian will wear the No.19 shirt for the rest of the season and will follow in the footsteps of Messi. The Barca great is synonymous with the No. 10 at Camp Nou but wore the No.19 for two seasons in his early days in the first team before switching after Ronaldinho left the club.
Barcelona will be hoping that Vitor Roque can provide a boost after an underwhelming start to the season. Xavi's side sit seven points behind leaders Girona after 18 games of the campaign and have toiled in front of goal. Robert Lewandowski is the team's top scorer in the league with eight goals, Ferran Torres is next on the list with just three.
The last player to wear the No.19 shirt at Barcelona was midfielder Franck Kessie. The number has also been used by Ferran Torres, Sergio Aguero and Martin Braithwaite in recent seasons.
Barcelona's newest signing has already been training with Xavi's side and will be hoping to make his debut when the defending La Liga champions return to action. The Catalans giants play their first fixture of 2024 on Thursday against Las Palmas in La Liga.
