Argentina Keep Messi’s No. 10 Shirt Vacant Ahead of Farewell Match

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has decided to leave Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt vacant during the upcoming international fixtures as the captain prepares for what is expected to be his final appearance for the national team.

Messi is set to wear the famous shirt for the last time in a specially arranged farewell match against Benin in October.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that no player will be assigned the No. 10 shirt before Messi’s farewell appearance.

«“Until Leo Messi’s match, nobody will wear the 10,” Scaloni said.»

The decision means Argentina will not have a No. 10 during their upcoming friendly matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.

The AFA is expected to decide on Messi’s successor only after the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner officially brings his international career to an end.

Messi, 39, has enjoyed a historic international career with Argentina, winning the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.