World body blocks Argentina from retiring Messi's No. 10 shirt

The Argentine Football Association’s intention to permanently retire the number 10 jersey in honor of Lionel Messi faces a regulatory barrier from FIFA. World football’s governing body enforces rules that make such tributes impossible during international final tournaments, where squads must assign numbers 1 through 26.

Regulatory hurdles for tribute

Messi confirmed his retirement from international football on 31 August, ending a career spanning more than two decades. The Inter Miami forward is scheduled to bid farewell to fans on 6 October during a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Following this event, the association aims to retire the iconic shirt indefinitely.

This move mirrors a similar situation faced by Liberia regarding George Weah’s number 14. During the qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup, Nicholas Andrews was required to wear the retired number due to FIFA guidelines. The current obstacle stems from the requirement that teams use specific squad numbers in major competitions.

Successor speculation and stats

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has not yet designated a successor for the number. "We are not obliged to assign it for the upcoming matches, so we will give it to no one until after Leo's farewell match. We just have not yet decided who," said the 48-year-old coach. However, ESPN Argentina reporter Federico Bueno indicated an internal decision exists. "If Scaloni extends his contract as Argentina head coach, then Nico Paz will be the new number 10. That has been decided internally," Bueno stated.

Paz, aged 22, is considered a top attacking midfielder globally. He transferred permanently from Real Madrid to Como for €60 million last summer, with an €80 million buy-back clause included. Messi’s tenure saw him earn 207 caps and score 125 goals. He also guided Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, their third appearance, where Spain won 1-0.