Argentina’s football authorities face a fresh dilemma over Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt as FIFA regulations prevent the permanent retirement of the iconic number, with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirming that the shirt will remain unused until Messi’s farewell against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026.
Messi, 39, announced his retirement from international football on August 31 after more than two decades with Argentina.
Also read: Nations League: Jorge Jesus speaks out on Ronaldo’s exit
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will nevertheless make one final appearance for the national side when Benin visit the Monumental Stadium next Tuesday.
The Argentine Football Association had wanted to give Messi a lasting tribute by retiring his famous shirt, which he has worn for much of his international career.
That plan, however, faces a practical obstacle in FIFA’s regulations for major international tournaments.
Under the regulations for the 2026 World Cup, participating teams must allocate shirt numbers from 1 to 26 to their squad members, with No. 1 reserved for a goalkeeper.
That requirement means Argentina cannot permanently remove No. 10 from its tournament squad numbering.
The restriction does not prevent Argentina from temporarily leaving the number unused during other fixtures.
Scaloni confirmed that approach ahead of Argentina’s current run of friendlies, saying the team would not assign the number until after Messi’s farewell.
“We are not obliged to assign it for the upcoming matches, so we will give it to no one until after Leo’s farewell match,” Scaloni said. “After that match, we will see who we give it to.”
The decision gives Messi an extended farewell while allowing Argentina to comply with FIFA’s tournament requirements.
Messi’s final appearance against Benin is expected to be an emotional occasion for the Argentina captain, who helped the country win the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.
AFA president Claudio Tapia has described the October 6 fixture as the farewell Messi deserves in his homeland.
FIFA has also confirmed that the match will be Messi’s final appearance for Argentina.
The 39-year-old leaves the national team as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading international goalscorer, having accumulated 207 appearances and 125 goals, according to the figures reported ahead of his farewell.
Messi’s departure represents a significant transition for Scaloni’s side.
The coach remains in charge as Argentina begin preparing for life after the player who has been at the centre of the national team’s attack and leadership for much of his tenure.
Attention will eventually turn to the player who inherits the famous shirt.
Argentine reports have identified Como midfielder Nico Paz as a leading candidate.
The 22-year-old has already made 11 appearances for Argentina and scored once, while reports indicate that his potential elevation to No. 10 could depend partly on Scaloni’s future as national-team coach.
Paz is also familiar with elite football environments, having developed at Real Madrid before completing a reported €6 million move to Como in 2024, with subsequent reports placing the eventual value of his transfer considerably higher.
The Argentine midfielder has since established himself as one of the young players attracting attention around the national team.
The possibility of Paz succeeding Messi would mark a symbolic generational change, although no permanent decision on the shirt has been officially confirmed.
Argentina have faced this issue before.
The country previously sought to retire the No. 10 shirt in honour of Diego Maradona, but FIFA’s tournament-numbering rules prevented the move ahead of the 2002 World Cup.
The current situation therefore does not diminish the significance of Messi’s legacy.
Instead, it highlights the difference between a symbolic retirement and the squad-number requirements governing FIFA competitions.
For now, Argentina will keep the Messi No. 10 shirt untouched as the country prepares for its captain’s final international appearance.
Also read: Nations League: Jorge Jesus speaks out on Ronaldo’s exit
When Messi walks onto the Monumental pitch against Benin on October 6, the occasion will offer Argentina supporters one last opportunity to see their legendary No. 10 in national-team colours before a new chapter begins.
