Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Argentina Weighs Five Candidates for Messi’s Iconic No. 10 Jersey
Lionel Messi has finished playing for Argentina’s national team.
In his last match, Argentina beat Benin 3-0, and Messi helped with two passes that led to goals before scoring a penalty himself.
He played 208 times for Argentina and scored 126 goals.
Messi wore the famous No.
10 shirt for many years.
The article says Argentina cannot retire the number because of FIFA rules.
Nico Paz is described as the leading choice to wear it next.
Enzo Fernández, Franco Mastantuono, Alexis Mac Allister and Thiago Almada are also possible choices.
Argentina has not yet been reported as making a final decision.
Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in Buenos Aires, scoring once and providing two assists.
He finished with 208 international appearances and 126 goals, having worn Argentina’s No. 10 since March 2009.
Argentina cannot retire the number under FIFA rules, so another player is expected to wear it.
Nico Paz is described as the frontrunner, while Enzo Fernández is presented as an experienced alternative.
Franco Mastantuono, Alexis Mac Allister and Thiago Almada are also named as possible successors.
- Who
- Lionel Messi and the five players named as possible successors: Nico Paz, Enzo Fernández, Franco Mastantuono, Alexis Mac Allister and Thiago Almada.
- What
- Argentina is expected to assign its No. 10 jersey to another player after Messi’s international retirement.
- When
- Messi’s farewell match was on Tuesday; the article does not give a calendar date.
- Where
- Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Why
- The article says FIFA rules mean Argentina cannot retire the No. 10 jersey.
- Farewell match
- Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly in Buenos Aires.
- Messi’s farewell contributions
- Two second-half assists and a converted penalty.
- International record
- 208 appearances and 126 goals.
- No. 10 for Argentina
- Messi had worn it since March 2009.
- Reported frontrunner
- Nico Paz, according to ESPN Argentina as cited in the article.
- Other candidates
- Enzo Fernández, Franco Mastantuono, Alexis Mac Allister and Thiago Almada.
- Number retirement
- The article says FIFA rules prevent Argentina from retiring the jersey.