The Lionel Messi effect hits Milan: Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric’s new teammate channels inner Inter Miami star with special tribute

What caught even more attention wasn't just the record-breaking fee or the tug-of-war with rival clubs — it was his personal connection to one of soccer's greatest icons, Lionel Messi, and a surprising shirt number tribute.

Milan’s midfield rebuild is officially complete — and with it comes a new arrival whose backstory and ambitions are already creating headlines. After a long and complicated saga that spanned over two months, Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric’s side finally got its man, closing a $42.5 million deal with Club Brugge. The player, a young Swiss international, has signed a five-year deal through to June 2030 and becomes Milan’s fifth summer signing. But what caught even more attention wasn’t just the record-breaking fee or the tug-of-war with rival clubs — it was his personal connection to one of soccer’s greatest icons, Lionel Messi, and a surprising tribute.

As the Rossoneri prepare for their final pre-season tests against Leeds United and Chelsea, many eyes are on new signings and who will be fit to play. There’s uncertainty surrounding Christian Pulisic, who continues to struggle with ankle discomfort sustained during a recent match in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Luka Modric and another fresh face are expected to be involved — adding intrigue to what could be early glimpses of the team’s next core midfield trio.

Enter Ardon Jashari, the 22-year-old midfielder from Switzerland, who has become the most expensive outgoing transfer in Belgian Pro League history. Milan shelled out $39.2 million upfront with an additional $3.3 million in performance-related add-ons, surpassing their own record set by Charles De Ketelaere in 2022.

Jashari’s move didn’t come easy. Despite being heavily pursued by Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Manchester United, and many others, the player was adamant about moving to the San Siro. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, “his desire to wear the Rossoneri shirt was crucial in breaking the deadlock after multiple bids had fallen short.”

The midfielder landed in Milan late Tuesday, underwent his medical on Wednesday, and immediately joined training with the squad. He’s expected to make his unofficial debut in the upcoming friendlies this weekend, depending on his fitness. The Red and Blacks’ new coach, Massimiliano Allegri, will be cautious, especially with a busy fixture list and players still regaining full fitness after the summer.

Number that means more

What adds a poetic layer to this transfer is Jashari’s decision to wear the number 30 jersey, a number that doesn’t have much significance in Milan’s recent history — until now.

When speaking to Milan TV about his shirt number, Jashari revealed his inspiration: “I started out wearing number 30 in Switzerland, at my youth club where I turned professional. I love Messi, so I took it because he also started out wearing it. It brought me luck in Switzerland and Belgium, so I wanted to keep it. I hope to make it a historic number.”

Lionel Messi, who famously wore the No. 30 at Barcelona during his early years and later at PSG, left a lasting impression on Jashari, and the tribute speaks to the young midfielder’s ambitions. Taking a number tied to greatness is a bold statement — now Jashari must live up to it in one of Europe’s most demanding clubs.