Argentina Searches for Messi's No.10 Successor

Argentina has initiated the search for a player to inherit the iconic No.10 shirt following Lionel Messi's retirement from international football. This shirt has historical significance, previously worn by Diego Maradona and later by Messi, who achieved notable success including the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup.

Nico Paz, a 21-year-old midfielder who developed through Real Madrid’s youth system and currently plays for Como in Italy, is considered a leading candidate due to his technical ability and experience with the senior national team. The decision regarding the next player to wear the No.10 shirt may be influenced by the future of head coach Lionel Scaloni, who has been pivotal in Argentina's recent successes, including winning the Copa América in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022.

If Scaloni remains, Paz's chances of being entrusted with the shirt may increase, while a coaching change could open the competition to other candidates.