Lionel Messi made his FIFA World Cup debut in 2006 when he came on as a substitute against Serbia and Montenegro in Argentina’s second group-stage match. In that very first World Cup appearance, he scored a goal and provided an assist. Messi wore the No. 19 jersey during that tournament, while the iconic No. 10 shirt belonged to Juan Román Riquelme. The young star helped Argentina reach the quarterfinals in his maiden World Cup campaign.
Three years later, Messi inherited Argentina’s legendary No. 10 jersey. He first wore it on March 28, 2009, in a match against Venezuela. Since then, the shirt has become synonymous with him. He wore No. 10 at the 2010 World Cup and continued to do so at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions.
On his fifth World Cup attempt, Messi finally led Argentina to World Cup glory while wearing the No. 10 jersey. In the upcoming tournament, he is expected to lead La Albiceleste once again as they aim to defend their title. Wearing the No. 10 shirt for a fifth World Cup, Messi will set a new record, surpassing Diego Maradona, who wore Argentina’s iconic No. 10 jersey in four World Cup tournaments, including the title-winning campaign in 1986.
Argentina have also announced the jersey numbers for their World Cup squad. Goalkeeper Juan Musso will wear No. 1, Leonardo Balerdi No. 2, Nicolás Tagliafico No. 3, Gonzalo Montiel No. 4, Leandro Paredes No. 5, Lisandro Martínez No. 6, Rodrigo De Paul No. 7, Valentín Barco No. 8, and Julián Álvarez No. 9.
Meanwhile, Giovani Lo Celso will wear No. 11, Gerónimo Rulli No. 12, Cristian Romero No. 13, Exequiel Palacios No. 14, Nicolás González No. 15, Thiago Almada No. 16, Giuliano Simeone No. 17, Nico Paz No. 18, Nicolás Otamendi No. 19, and Alexis Mac Allister No. 20.
José Manuel López has been assigned No. 21, Lautaro Martínez No. 22, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez No. 23, Enzo Fernández No. 24, Facundo Medina No. 25, and Nahuel Molina No. 26.
