Who Inherits the 10? Scaloni's Decision ahead of Lionel Messi's Farewell Match

03.10.26 20:00 Friendly International

Argentina

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Burkina Faso

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The Argentina national team will not assign the iconic No. 10 jersey to any squad member during their upcoming fixtures against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin as head coach Lionel Scaloni prepares to navigate the transition following Lionel Messi's international retirement.

Read Also: The Ballon d'Or showdown: When football's greatest legend meets his ultimate successor

Scaloni Freezes the No. 10 Jersey

Speaking to FIFA's official channels, Scaloni confirmed that the legendary number will remain vacant throughout the current international window until Messi concludes his final appearance in Albiceleste colours.

"No one will wear the number 10 shirt in these matches. We do not have to give it to anyone... We will wait until Leo's match and after that, we will see what happens. The idea is for the shirt to belong to one player" Scaloni stated.

The decision ensures that the number will remain unoccupied across the friendly fixtures against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, before Messi dons it one last time in his official farewell match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental on 6 October.

The Frontrunners: Paz, Mastantuono, and Established Contenders

The impending vacancy has ignited widespread debate over who will inherit the most prestigious squad number in Argentine football. At the forefront of the new generation is 22 year old playmaker Nico Paz whose technical elegance and vision between the lines have already earned high praise from Messi himself who noted:

"He has a lot of quality and I hope he continues to develop"

Another leading candidate is 19 year old sensation Franco Mastantuono. Known for his powerful ball-striking, dynamic dribbling and refined left foot, Mastantuono represents the next wave of attacking talent.

Addressing whether the two creative midfielders could share the pitch, Scaloni remarked:

"They can play together. Usually one starts but they can play together"

Beyond the emerging teenagers, the shortlist includes senior figures within the squad. Alexis Mac Allister who currently wears the No. 10 shirt for Liverpool team, stands out as a natural, experienced candidate alongside Thiago Almada and Enzo Fernández.

The Burden of an Argentine Institution

In Argentine football culture, the No. 10 shirt carries unparalleled historical weight. It is intrinsically tied to the nation's three World Cup triumphs, worn by Mario Kempes during the 1978 victory on home soil, immortalized by Diego Maradona in Mexico in 1986 and elevated to modern folklore by Messi in Qatar in 2022.

Messi carried the number continuously from 2009 until his final World Cup campaign in 2026. Handing over the jersey marks the definitive end of a 17 year era and the dawn of an entirely new cycle for the world champions.

Shielding the Next Generation

Scaloni’s decision to temporarily retire the No. 10 during this camp is a masterclass in man-management. Granting the number to an emerging prospect like Paz or Mastantuono while Messi is still technically part of the squad would place an unbearable psychological burden on young shoulders.

By waiting until after the farewell match against Benin, Scaloni protects his young playmakers from immediate comparisons, allowing the team to honor Messi’s final chapter cleanly before assigning the immense weight of the shirt to its rightful long-term heir.

What Happens Next?

Argentina will contest their upcoming matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso with the No. 10 shirt left off the team sheet, setting the stage for Messi’s emotional final bow against Benin on Tuesday.

Once the international window concludes, Scaloni and his coaching staff will make a formal decision on the shirt's permanent recipient ahead of their next competitive cycle.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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