Argentina Retires Messi's No. 10 Shirt Until Farewell Match

Lionel Scaloni, head coach of the Argentine national team, has confirmed that the iconic No. 10 shirt will not be assigned to any player during the upcoming friendly matches. The jersey remains reserved solely for Lionel Messi, who is scheduled to wear it in his farewell game against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Scaloni Confirms Jersey Reservation

According to Scaloni, the federation "will not give the number 10 to any player until Leo's match." This directive ensures the shirt stays unassigned during the fixtures against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, preserving its significance for Messi’s final outing with the Albiceleste.

Messi announced his retirement from international football last August. Following discussions with the Argentine Football Association, he agreed to participate in a single additional match to bid farewell to fans in Buenos Aires. The association stated that Messi will feature only in the Benin fixture within this series of friendlies.

Farewell Schedule and Legacy

The schedule dictates that Argentina faces Bolivia on September 30, followed by a match against Burkina Faso on October 3. These games precede the final international appearance of Messi, marking the conclusion of a career spanning more than two decades.

During this period, Messi secured the 2022 World Cup title and won Copa America twice, alongside establishing numerous records while wearing the national team jersey. He has already revealed the special kit designed for the occasion, featuring his name and the number 10 in gold lettering.

Leadership Transition and Future Plans

As Messi’s departure approaches, the technical staff has begun outlining the next phase for the squad. Scaloni confirmed that defender Cristian Romero will assume the captaincy after the historic leader steps down.

However, the identity of the player who will inherit the No. 10 shirt following Messi’s retirement remains undecided. Scaloni indicated that the coaching staff has deferred this decision to the post-farewell period, leaving the number vacant for the immediate future.