Scaloni confirms Messi's No 10 will live on: successor decision waits until farewell game

Argentina's most treasured shirt number is staying in circulation — but for now, nobody knows who will wear it. Coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that the Albiceleste will not retire the iconic No 10 jersey when Lionel Messi steps away from international football, while revealing that a successor will not be handed the shirt until after the captain's farewell match.

A number with a storied past

The No 10 was worn by Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona for Argentina's first two World Cup triumphs in 1978 and 1986, and has been synonymous with Messi ever since. Following the Albiceleste's World Cup final defeat to Spain in July, Messi confirmed he would bring an end to his remarkable international career, leaving Argentine football to ponder who could ever fill such enormous shoes.

Messi will retire as the only man to ever start three World Cup finals, the leading appearance-maker in the history of FIFA's flagship tournament with 34 matches, and the player with the most combined goal involvements at World Cups — 33 in total, comprising 21 goals and 12 assists since assist records began in 1966. He will make one final appearance for his country in a farewell match against Benin on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental, which will be his 208th senior cap.

Decision deferred until after the farewell

Before that showpiece, Scaloni's side will host Bolivia on Wednesday and Burkina Faso on Saturday, with Messi not linking up with the squad until after those matches. Argentina have not yet assigned the No 10 shirt to any other player, and Scaloni made clear it will not be handed out until after Messi's last game.

"We aren't obligated to assign it for these matches, so we won't give it to anyone until Leo's farewell game," Scaloni told reporters on Tuesday. "The idea is for someone to eventually take it on, given how special it is to wear. We just haven't decided who yet."

Como's breakout star Nico Paz has been tipped to take on the iconic number, while Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada and Franco Mastantuono are also among the contenders being discussed.

New captain, new era

While the No 10 remains in limbo, Argentina have confirmed the identity of their next captain, with Cristian Romero taking the armband. Yet questions remain over how the side will adapt their style of play without Messi. Scaloni, who is in talks over a contract extension to run through the 2030 World Cup, plans to use the upcoming matches to experiment.

"That's what these matches are for – to experiment," Scaloni said. "That said, our core style still revolves around controlling the ball. From there, we'll see how we adapt. We will always compete. I am certain of that, which is why I decided to stay. We see the talent coming through and the hunger to be here. Not a single player turned down a call-up for this window, which is a great sign. We are guaranteed to compete against anyone, and I have no doubt we will perform at a high level."

With a new captain, a fresh wave of emerging talent and the No 10 still waiting for its next owner, Argentina are entering a new chapter — one Scaloni insists will be defined by the same competitive hunger that carried them to the summit of world football.