Yesterday·Emerging
Follow-up 3h ago5
95%
Argentina keeps Messi's No.10 vacant until farewell; Scaloni plans tactical shift
Argentina will keep Lionel Messi's No.10 shirt vacant until his farewell match on October 6, with coach Lionel Scaloni planning tactical experiments in upcoming friendlies. FIFA rules prevent permanent retirement of the number for World Cup squads; Franco Mastantuono and Nicolás Paz are among candidates to eventually wear it.
Quick Facts
- No.10 shirt remains unassigned until Messi's farewell match
- Scaloni conducting tactical experiments in friendlies
- Scaloni negotiating contract extension through 2030 World Cup
- Argentina lost 2026 World Cup final to Spain 1-0
- Messi announced international retirement in late August
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that the iconic No.10 shirt will remain unassigned through the current international break, staying vacant until Lionel Messi's farewell match against Benin on October 6. The decision reflects both respect for the legendary player and practical necessity: FIFA regulations prohibit national teams from permanently retiring squad numbers, as demonstrated by earlier failed attempts to retire the No.10 for Diego Maradona in 2002 and the No.17 for Cameroon's Marc Vivian Foe.
Scaloni announced he will use upcoming friendlies against Bolivia and Burkina Faso to experiment with Argentina's post-Messi tactical identity. "We will find a way to play differently. That is what these matches are for, to experiment," Scaloni said at a press conference in Córdoba. "However, our basic style still revolves around controlling the ball." He plans to field strikers Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez together—a combination previously avoided—while Nicolás Paz will assume playmaking duties in Messi's absence.
The search for Messi's successor on the pitch is already underway. According to reporting, Franco Mastantuono and Nicolás Paz are among the main candidates to eventually inherit the No.10, though Scaloni indicated no final decision has been made. The coach emphasized the intention to assign the shirt to a single player rather than rotate it across call-ups, allowing one player to fully assume the responsibility and symbolism of a number worn by Diego Maradona and Messi.
Messi, 39, closes his international career as Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals across 207 appearances. He announced his retirement from international football in late August following the 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain. Scaloni, meanwhile, is negotiating a contract extension through the 2030 World Cup, which Argentina will co-host. He confirmed he intends to continue, citing the team's depth and hunger as reasons to remain.
Why This Matters
Argentina's tactical and ceremonial transition following Messi's international retirement affects squad composition, player development pathways, and the team's competitive structure heading into the 2030 World Cup, which Argentina will co-host. Scaloni's contract negotiations and experimental lineup choices will determine whether the team maintains its ball-control identity or adopts a new strategic approach. The assignment of the No.10 shirt establishes long-term positional clarity for one player's role and media/sponsorship visibility.
Timeline & Sources
Jul 19, 2026
WireArgentina loses 2026 World Cup final to Spain 1-0
Sep 30, 2026
WireScaloni confirms No.10 will remain vacant; announces tactical experiments
Oct 6, 2026
WireMessi plays final match for Argentina against Benin at Monumental Stadium
Dec 31, 2026
WireScaloni's current contract expires; extension through 2030 World Cup expected
Related Signals
Sources
- "A different look": will Scaloni change Argentina's "identity" after Messi?Goal.comMediaSep 30, 2026
- Lionel Scaloni’s Plan for Argentina’s Iconic No. 10 Shirt After Messi’s International RetirementbeIN SPORTSMediaSep 30, 2026
- Argentina have already tried to retire the No.10 shirt: Will they do it again for Lionel Messi?FourFourTwoMediaSep 30, 2026
- Argentina won't rush to re-assign Lionel Messi's No. 10ESPN IndiaMediaSep 30, 2026
- Argentina won't rush to re-assign Lionel Messi's No. 10ESPNMediaSep 30, 2026