Argentina will not assign Lionel Messi\u2019s iconic number 10 shirt to any player during their November international friendlies following the former captain\u2019s retirement from the national team.\n<\/p>\n
According to Argentine sports outlet TyC Sports, the decision was made by Head coach Lionel Scaloni.\n<\/p>\n
This means the legendary shirt worn by Messi for almost two decades will remain unassigned during the upcoming FIFA international break.\n<\/p>\n
Argentina will face Uruguay on November 13 at La Bombonera before taking on Costa Rica on November 17 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in C\u00f3rdoba.<\/p>\n
TyC Sports explained that FIFA friendly matches do not require teams to assign shirt numbers consecutively from one to 11, allowing Scaloni to leave the number vacant until the South American qualifiers resume in 2027.<\/p>\n
Attention has already turned to who could inherit the shirt, with Como midfielder Nico Paz emerging as the leading contender.\n<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old has impressed with his performances for the Italian club and the national team, scoring in each of Argentina\u2019s three recent friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.<\/p>\n
His teammate, Valent\u00edn Barco, has also backed him to take over Messi\u2019s famous number.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI like everything about Nico\u2019s game. I really like how he plays. I hope he gets the number 10, I\u2019d love that,\u201d Barco said.\n<\/p>\n
However, Paz is not the only player being considered for the iconic shirt.\n<\/p>\n
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fern\u00e1ndez are also among the potential candidates.\n<\/p>\n
Messi\u2019s departure marks the end of an era for Argentina, having represented the country for more than two decades and established himself as its most celebrated footballer.\n<\/p>\n
The 39-year-old announced his retirement<\/a> from international football on August 31, 2026, following Argentina\u2019s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.\n<\/p>\n