Lionel Messi

Argentina Leaves Messi’s No. 10 Unassigned for Friendlies

Argentina Leaves Messi’s No. 10 Unassigned for Friendlies

Reports say Argentina will leave No. 10 unassigned in upcoming friendlies while considering a long-term successor, with Nico Paz, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister mentioned as possibilities. FIFA numbering rules complicate retiring the shirt in official competitions; this symbolic step does not indicate Messi is returning.

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Updated Nov 6, 2026