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Argentina plans for Lionel Messi's No.10 jersey successor after retirement

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 6, 2026, 6:51 PM

Last updated Oct 6, 2026

Argentina plans for Lionel Messi's No.10 jersey successor after retirement

Summary

Lionel Messi is set to retire from international soccer after playing his 208th match for Argentina against Benin on October 6. His retirement will mark a significant transition for the national team, which cannot retire the iconic No.10 jersey due to FIFA regulations. Argentina must appoint a new player to wear the number before the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup. Franco Mastantuono, Enzo Fernandez, and Nico Paz are considered leading candidates for this role. Mastantuono, at 19, has shown promise but must improve consistently. Fernandez, with 50 caps, has experience and could transition from No. 24 to No. 10. Paz, aged 22, is viewed as a future star, currently playing for Como.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Latest Updates

•Lionel Messi retires after 208th international match.
•Argentina must assign No.10 jersey according to FIFA rules.
•Franco Mastantuono has six caps, needs more consistency.
•Enzo Fernandez has 50 caps, considered a strong candidate.
•Nico Paz is seen as a rising star with potential.

Latest Updates

6:51 PMYahoo Sports — Who will wear Argentina's No.10 shirt next? Lionel Messi jersey replacement contenders including Nico Paz

What they're saying

"
The end of Lionel Messi's international career will bring about a new era for the Argentina men's national team, so who will inherit his famous number as the Albiceleste press on without their famous talisman?
— Yahoo Sports

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