Messi’s iconic No.10 shirt reserved for Argentina’s next 2 games despite retirement, here’s why

Argentina will not give Lionel Messi’s famous No.10 shirt to any player for their upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica, as the national team delays the decision on who will inherit the iconic number.

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The decision means that, no player will wear the shirt when Argentina host Uruguay at La Bombonera on November 13 before facing Costa Rica at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba on November 17.

According to Argentine sports outlet TyC Sports, head coach Lionel Scaloni and his technical team have decided to leave the number unused because friendly matches do not require teams to assign shirt numbers consecutively from one to 11.

This gives Argentina time to decide who should take over the shirt when the South American World Cup qualifiers resume in 2027.

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The number is not being permanently retired.

Como player Nico Paz is reportedly among the leading candidates following his impressive performances for club and country.

He scored in Argentina’s recent friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.

Other players being considered include Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández and Franco Mastantuono.

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Messi’s final appearance for Argentina came on October 6, when he scored in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental. The match marked the end of his international career after more than two decades representing his country.

The 39-year-old leaves behind a remarkable record, having won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa América titles with Argentina.