Lionel Scaloni decides to keep the legendary jersey unassigned during upcoming international fixtures.
The Argentina national football team will not assign the iconic number 10 shirt to any player during their November international friendlies. Head coach Lionel Scaloni made this choice following the recent retirement of the legendary captain, marking a temporary pause for the historic jersey.
La Albiceleste is scheduled to face Uruguay on November 13 at La Bombonera, followed by a match against Costa Rica on November 17 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba. These upcoming FIFA fixtures will proceed without a designated playmaker wearing the famous number.
According to information published by punchng, FIFA friendly matches do not require teams to assign shirt numbers consecutively from one to 11, which allows the coaching staff to leave the garment vacant until South American qualifiers resume in 2027.
Contenders To Inherit The Iconic Number 10
Attention has quickly shifted toward potential successors who could permanently inherit the famous jersey from the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward. Como midfielder Nico Paz has emerged as the leading contender for the role.
The 22-year-old player has impressed with his performances in Italy and for the national team, scoring in recent friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin. His teammate, Valentín Barco, publicly voiced support for him to take over the responsibility.
Other Midfield Candidates For Argentina
While Nico Paz remains a strong favorite, he is not the only athlete under consideration by the technical staff for the heavy responsibility of wearing the famous jersey. Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández are also potential candidates.
The squad depth allows the coaching team to evaluate multiple talents during the upcoming friendly matches before competitive qualification fixtures resume for the South American powerhouse.
End Of An Era For Lionel Messi
The decision to leave the jersey vacant highlights the massive impact of the 39-year-old forward, who represented his country for more than two decades and established himself as its most celebrated footballer.
After announcing his retirement on August 31, 2026, following a World Cup final defeat against Spain, the star made a farewell appearance on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, scoring in a 3-0 victory against Benin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Argentina leave the number 10 shirt vacant?
Head coach Lionel Scaloni decided to leave the jersey unassigned during November friendlies following the international retirement of Lionel Messi.
Who is the leading contender to inherit the number 10?
Como midfielder Nico Paz has emerged as the leading candidate, backed by teammate Valentín Barco, alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández.
When do the South American qualifiers resume for Argentina?
The competitive South American qualifying matches for the national team are scheduled to resume in the year 2027.
What clubs did Lionel Messi play for during his career?
The legendary forward played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in Europe, and currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
