FIFA Blocks Argentina From Retiring Messi’s Number 10 Jersey
FIFA rules prevent the Argentine Football Association from permanently retiring Lionel Messi’s iconic number 10 jersey after his international retirement. Messi announced his retirement from the national team on August 31, 2026, after a career of more than two decades, amassing 207 caps and 125 goals while leading Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where they fell 1-0 to Spain.
The governing body’s tournament regulations mandate that squad numbers 1 through 26 must be assigned to players for final international tournaments, leaving no room to permanently scrap any number within that range. A similar precedent occurred with Liberia, which had withdrawn the number 14 to honor George Weah, only for FIFA guidelines to force the assignment of the jersey to Nicholas Andrews during 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Scaloni Delays Squad Allocation Ahead of Farewell Match
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed that the squad is not forced to hand out the shirt immediately. “We are not obliged to give it for the upcoming matches, so we won’t give it to anyone until after Leo’s farewell match. We just haven’t decided to whom,” the 48-year-old coach said. Messi is scheduled to make his final bow for his country on October 6, 2026, in a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentina’s current international window includes three fixtures: a match against Bolivia on October 1, a game against Burkina Faso on October 4, and the farewell against Benin on October 7 (Vietnam time).
For the October 1 clash against Bolivia at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba, Scaloni deployed a starting lineup featuring Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Paz, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez. Bolivia countered with Guillermo Viscarra, Efrain Morales, Hector Cuellar, Miguelito, and Ramiro Vaca under coach Oscar Villegas. Scaloni tested tactical variations and gave younger squad members minutes, while Messi sat out the fixture to prepare for his Buenos Aires send-off.
Internal Plans Point to Nico Paz as Successor
ESPN Argentina reporter Federico Bueno revealed that internal discussions have already identified a leading candidate to inherit the famous jersey. “If Scaloni extends his contract as coach of the Argentine national team, then Nico Paz will be the new number 10. That has been decided internally,” Bueno stated.
Paz, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder who transferred to Como from Real Madrid for 60 million euros with an 80 million euro buyback clause, has earned 11 caps and scored one goal for Argentina. While the federation cannot permanently retire the number, the coaching staff prepares to pass the mantle to one of the sport’s rising young talents once Messi’s international tenure officially closes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Messi’s Retirement and Number 10
When did Lionel Messi officially announce his international retirement?
Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31, 2026, via a handwritten letter after earning 207 caps and scoring 125 goals.
Why can’t Argentina retire the number 10 jersey?
FIFA tournament regulations require teams to allocate squad numbers 1 through 26 for final international competitions, making the permanent removal of any number in that range impossible.
When is Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina?
Messi will play his final international fixture for Argentina on October 6, 2026, in a friendly match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.