Lionel Messi will play his last match for Argentina tonight against Benin as the curtains fall on a two-decade-long career that has seen him lift the World Cup, the Copa America, and, most importantly, win the hearts of fans all over the world.
While there is no direct replacement for the player that Messi is, Argentina still has to find a worthy successor for the iconic No. 10 shirt that he has proudly worn for 17 years.
Who Will Wear No. 10 After Lionel Messi’s Retirement?
Following confirmation of Messi’s retirement, there were reports that Argentina could potentially retire the No. 10 shirt in honor of their greatest player. However, FIFA regulations requiring sequential numbering from 1 to 26 in official tournaments mean the shirt cannot be permanently retired.
The Argentine Football Association had previously tried to retire the number in honor of Diego Maradona, but it was ultimately rejected by FIFA. While manager Lionel Scaloni has temporarily left the shirt vacant or rotated it among players during matches, someone will eventually have to take over the legendary number permanently.
Here are some of the potential successors for Argentina’s No. 10 jersey:
Nico Paz:
Nico Paz has rapidly transitioned from a top-tier prospect into a major force for the national team. Currently playing under Cesc Fàbregas at Como in Italy, the 22-year-old midfielder brings energy, elegance, and dribbling ability to the final third.
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His exceptional vision allows him to play incisive passes through tight defensive lines, while his finishing ability has also been on display. Paz scored in consecutive matches during Argentina’s recent games against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, further strengthening his case as one of the country’s most promising attacking players.
Franco Mastantuono:
Franco Mastantuono is another elite left-footed playmaker carrying plenty of expectations for the future. At just 19 years old, the highly sought-after talent secured a big move from River Plate to Real Madrid and is currently on loan at Fiorentina in Serie A.
Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or drifting out to the right wing, Mastantuono relies on his technical ability and close control. He recently broke through for his first senior goal for Argentina in their 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso, giving fans another glimpse of his potential.
Alexis Mac Allister:
Alexis Mac Allister is the most established midfield option to assume the role. The Liverpool star has become a core member of Lionel Scaloni’s setup and has played an important role for Argentina over the last several years.
Mac Allister operates primarily as a central midfielder who can dictate the tempo from deeper positions, combining defensive work with spatial awareness and quality distribution. While his playing style differs considerably from Messi’s, his experience and importance to the national team make him another candidate for the iconic shirt.
Other names include Julian Alvarez and Thiago Almada.
As an Atletico Madrid forward, Alvarez is an established name in Argentina’s attack and has already played a key role for the national team. Meanwhile, Almada fits the more traditional profile of a classic attacking midfielder and has already worn the No. 10 jersey during specific matches.
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