Argentina to Leave Messi's No. 10 Vacant: Who Will Inherit the Iconic Shirt?
The Argentina national team will begin a new era without Lionel Messi and leave its historic No. 10 shirt vacant, reviving memories of the unsuccessful attempt to honor Diego Maradona in 2002.
The Argentina national team are preparing to begin one of the most significant chapters in their recent history. After nearly two decades with Lionel Messi as their leading figure, La Albiceleste will play their first international matches without the man who led them to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title.
However, one decision has attracted particular attention: nobody will wear the No. 10 shirt during the upcoming friendlies.
The team managed by Lionel Scaloni will face Uruguay on November 13 at La Bombonera before meeting Costa Rica on November 17 in Córdoba, but the number previously worn by Messi will remain vacant.
The decision is possible because international friendlies offer greater flexibility regarding squad numbers. However, the situation will change when the 2027 South American World Cup Qualifiers begin, when Argentina will need to find a new owner for their most iconic shirt.
The Maradona Tribute FIFA Refused to Allow
The decision to leave the No. 10 shirt unused has an important historical precedent.
In 2001, the Argentine Football Association (AFA), then led by Julio Grondona, decided to retire the number in honor of Diego Armando Maradona.
The intention was to ensure that no other player would wear the number made legendary by the captain of Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning team.
However, the proposal encountered an obstacle at FIFA.
Ahead of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, the governing body required national teams to use consecutive squad numbers from 1 to 23. The AFA requested an exception that would leave No. 10 vacant and allow third-choice goalkeeper Roberto Bonano to wear No. 24.
Although the request initially received provisional approval, FIFA's Executive Committee ultimately rejected it.
The shirt was eventually assigned to Ariel Ortega, who wore the historic number during that World Cup.
More than two decades later, Argentina face a similar situation, although this time the tribute to Messi will be temporary.
Nico Paz Leads the Race to Inherit Messi's Number
The biggest question is who will take responsibility for becoming Argentina's next No. 10.
Based on his current form and long-term potential, Nico Paz has emerged as one of the leading candidates.
The midfielder is enjoying an outstanding period with Como 1907, where he continues to demonstrate his creativity and ability to make a difference in the final third.
His latest performance in the UEFA Champions League was particularly impressive, as he scored once and provided an assist in a remarkable 9-1 victory over Lens.
His performances for Argentina have also strengthened his candidacy. Paz scored in the friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin, showing that he is capable of taking on greater responsibility under Scaloni.
Teammate Valentín Barco has also publicly supported the possibility of Paz inheriting the No. 10 shirt, praising his technical quality and ability to dictate play.
The Other Candidates for Argentina's Most Iconic Shirt
Although Nico Paz appears to be leading the race, several other players could also inherit the famous number.
Alexis Mac Allister possesses the experience and personality needed for such a challenge. The midfielder has previously worn No. 10 at different stages of his career, including during his time at Liverpool.
Enzo Fernández is another possible candidate, particularly because of his influence in midfield and his ability to organize attacking moves.
Another important name is Franco Mastantuono, who has already worn Argentina's No. 10 shirt in an official match against Ecuador in Guayaquil.
No final decision has been made. For now, Argentina will begin their new chapter without an immediate successor to the number made legendary by Maradona and Messi.
The shirt will remain unused throughout November, but sooner or later, someone will have to accept a responsibility that represents far more than a squad number.
Key Takeaways
- Argentina will leave the No. 10 shirt vacant during November's friendlies following Lionel Messi's international retirement.
- The AFA previously attempted to retire the number in honor of Diego Maradona, but FIFA rejected the proposal ahead of the 2002 World Cup.
- Nico Paz is considered a leading candidate for 2027, although Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Mastantuono are also possibilities.
