The number 10 seeks an heir

Nico Paz leads the race to inherit Argentina's number 10 shirt after Messi's retirement; Scaloni says no one will wear it until official tournaments.

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina on October 7, leaving the iconic number 10 shirt vacant after 18 years and 171 appearances. The shirt, which Messi wore from 2008 to 2026 and used to score 118 of his 126 international goals, now awaits a successor.

Several candidates are competing for the honour: Nico Paz is the favourite, alongside Julián Álvarez, Franco Mastantuono, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister. Coach Scaloni has announced that no player will wear the number until official tournaments resume.

The number 10 has a storied history in Argentine football, previously worn by legends including Diego Maradona, Mario Kempes, and more recently Simeone, Gallardo, Aimar and Riquelme. The shirt does not necessarily belong to an attacker—various profiles have carried it throughout history.