Argentina To Keep Messi’s No. 10 Shirt Vacant Until His International Farewell

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has decided not to assign Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt to another player during the upcoming international windows.

The decision comes as Messi prepares for what is expected to be his final appearance for Argentina, with a specially arranged farewell match against Benin scheduled for October.

Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, confirmed that the shirt will remain vacant until Messi’s final international appearance.

“Until Leo Messi’s match, nobody will wear the 10,” Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, said.

The decision means Argentina will enter their upcoming friendly matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso without a player wearing the No. 10 shirt.

The AFA is expected to determine who will inherit the famous jersey after Messi officially ends his international career.

Messi has worn the No. 10 shirt throughout much of his Argentina career and has led the national team to major honours, including the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2022 Finalissima.