Argentina is reconsidering the future of Lionel Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt after FIFA regulations prevented the national team from permanently retiring the number. The Argentine Football Association had hoped to honor Messi by keeping the legendary shirt out of circulation after his retirement from international football. However, FIFA regulations governing squad numbers at major international tournaments mean Argentina cannot simply remove the number from circulation indefinitely.
The No. 10 shirt is not just a squad number in Argentina; it has been associated with some of the country's greatest footballers, most notably Diego Maradona, before becoming synonymous with Messi. Messi wore the No. 10 during Argentina's victorious 2022 World Cup campaign and again during the 2026 tournament. With Messi approaching his final appearance for the national team, Argentina must decide how to handle the shirt once its legendary owner walks away.
FIFA's regulations require national teams to operate with a defined squad-number system at major tournaments, meaning Argentina cannot permanently retire the No. 10 shirt. The issue is not new; Argentina previously encountered a similar problem when it attempted to retire Maradona's famous No. 10 shirt ahead of the 2002 World Cup. FIFA's regulations ultimately meant the number had to remain available for the tournament.
Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, bringing an end to a remarkable chapter with Argentina. The 39-year-old leaves the national team as its record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, having played a central role in Argentina's most successful period in modern football. FIFA confirmed that Messi will make one final appearance for Argentina in a farewell friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6.
Argentina will keep the No. 10 shirt vacant for now, with head coach Lionel Scaloni confirming that another player will not immediately inherit Messi's number. The decision allows the No. 10 to remain untouched while Argentina completes its farewell period for its captain. Scaloni said, "We are not obliged to assign it for the upcoming matches, so we will give it to no one until after Leo's farewell match."
One reported candidate to inherit the No. 10 shirt is Nico Paz, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder who has emerged as one of the younger players being viewed as part of Argentina's next generation. Paz previously came through Real Madrid's system before making his move to Italian football with Como, where his performances have strengthened his reputation. He was also part of Argentina's 2026 World Cup squad and has already made 11 senior international appearances.
The decision on who will become Argentina's next No. 10 is one of the most intriguing questions surrounding Scaloni's squad. While Paz is a reported candidate, Argentina have not yet confirmed who will eventually inherit the famous number. The AFA and Scaloni will have to make an official decision soon, as Argentina prepares for life after Messi.
Key points
- Argentina can't permanently retire Lionel Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt due to FIFA regulations.
- The No. 10 shirt will remain vacant until after Messi's farewell appearance.
- Nico Paz is a reported candidate to inherit the No. 10 shirt.
