The iconic No. 10 jersey of the Argentina national team, worn by Lionel Messi for nearly two decades, will remain vacant during the upcoming FIFA international window in November. The decision means no player will be assigned the legendary number for the friendly matches against Uruguay and Costa Rica.
The move comes as Argentina prepares for a new era following Messi’s retirement from international football. The Albiceleste will host Uruguay on Friday, November 13, at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires before facing Costa Rica on Tuesday, November 17, in Córdoba.
Scaloni’s Plan for the No. 10
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has stated that the team is not obligated to issue jerseys numbered 1 through 11 during friendly matches, providing flexibility in the transition period. In a press conference prior to his final match with Messi against Benín, Scaloni clarified the team’s approach. “In these games, we don’t have to give the No. 10, so until it’s Leo’s match, we won’t give it to anyone and then we’ll see who we’ll give it to. For the qualifiers, it’s not fixed, but the idea is that someone keeps it with all the beauty that comes with wearing it. For now, we have not defined it,” Scaloni said.
The coach’s comments indicate that the next official assignment of the No. 10 will occur during the South American World Cup qualifiers.
The Leading Candidate: Nico Paz
While the jersey will remain unassigned for now, the frontrunner to inherit the No. 10 when the time comes is Nico Paz. The midfielder, who is enjoying a stellar season with Como in Italy, has emerged as a primary candidate. During a UEFA Champions League match, Paz scored a goal and provided an assist in Como’s 9-1 victory over Lens.
Paz also made a significant impact during the last international window with Argentina’s senior team. He converted in the three friendly matches against Bolivia (where he also provided an assist), Burkina Faso, and Benín, showcasing his talent and composure on the big stage.
I like how he plays a lot. I hope he gets the No. 10, I would like that,” Barco said. Further encouragement came from national team veteran Rodrigo De Paul, who praised Paz after a recent performance, writing on social media: “Master pass, we were waiting for it.”
A Symbolic Nod from the Messi Family
Messi shared a photo of his son, Ciro, wearing a Como jersey. For Paz, whose club is Como, this was a significant acknowledgment. “It is an honor that the best player in history wears our jersey. Seeing Messi’s son in our jersey is a pleasure and an honor,” Paz responded. This public gesture from the Messi family added weight to the speculation surrounding Paz and the No. 10.
Other Potential Candidates
While Paz is a candidate, he is not the only player in contention for the No. 10. Several other members of the Argentina squad have the talent and pedigree to take on the role.
- Alexis Mac Allister: The Liverpool midfielder is a familiar face with the No. 10, having worn it for Argentinos, Brighton, and currently for Liverpool. However, he has never donned the number for the senior national team.
- Enzo Fernández: The midfielder is often described as a modern “enganche.” His vision and passing ability make him a contender for the iconic shirt.
- Franco Mastantuono: The midfielder holds a distinction among the current squad: he is one of those who has worn the No. 10 in an official match. He did so against Ecuador in September 2025 when Messi was unavailable. However, he was not part of the final squad for the 2026 World Cup.
- Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez: Both are established stars at the top level of European football with Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid, respectively, and wear the No. 10 for their clubs. Álvarez was even mentioned as a proposal by new Argentina captain, “Cuti” Romero.
The Road to the 2027 Qualifiers
The qualifiers, set to begin in March 2027, will be for the 2030 World Cup, a tournament for which Argentina, along with Uruguay and Paraguay, already has a spot as a symbolic host nation 100 years after the inaugural World Cup.
The upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica serve as the first formal steps in this new era, offering a chance for players like Paz to stake their claim to the iconic No. 10 and for the team to build a new identity.
Wearing the No. 10 Jersey
- Will the No. 10 be worn in the November friendlies?
- No, the No. 10 jersey will remain vacant for the matches against Uruguay and Costa Rica. It will not be assigned during the November FIFA window.
- When will a new No. 10 be officially named?
- The new wearer of the No. 10 is expected to be announced in 2027, coinciding with the start of the South American World Cup qualifiers for the 2030 tournament.
- Who is the main candidate to wear the No. 10?
- Nico Paz, the midfielder for Como, is a leading candidate. His strong performances for both his club and the national team have made him a primary candidate to inherit the iconic jersey.
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