Argentina will not hand out its iconic No.10 shirt to another player until Lionel Messi plays his expected farewell match for the national team, according to head coach Lionel Scaloni.
The decision means the famous shirt will remain vacant ahead of Messi’s final appearance at the Monumental Stadium, scheduled for October 6.
Scaloni confirmed that Argentina intends to preserve the No.10 shirt for Messi’s farewell before making a decision on who will inherit the number.
Messi has worn Argentina’s No.10 shirt for much of his illustrious international career, becoming closely associated with the number while leading the country to major honours.
The 39-year-old has already guided Argentina to Copa América triumphs and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, cementing his place among the most influential players in the country’s football history.
His eventual departure will leave a significant void in the national team, with Argentina expected to face a difficult decision over the next player to carry the iconic number.
