Argentina Must Assign Messi's Number 10 After Retirement

Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football, which has raised questions about the future of his famous number 10 shirt. Argentina Football Association President Claudio Tapia had previously stated that the number would be retired after Messi's departure.

However, FIFA regulations stipulate that all squad numbers must be assigned to players, preventing Argentina from leaving the number unissued as a mark of honor. This rule also affected the retirement of Diego Maradona's number 10 shirt before Messi wore it.

The most recent player to wear the number 10 in Messi's absence was Franco Mastantuono in September 2025. Potential candidates to inherit the number include Como midfielder Nico Paz and striker Lautaro Martinez.

The situation mirrors a similar case in club football, where a La Liga rule prevented the permanent retirement of the number 10 shirt before it was passed to Lamine Yamal.