With Lionel Messi preparing to bid farewell to international football, the question of who will inherit Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt remains unanswered.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has made it clear that no decision has yet been taken on Messi’s successor. For the upcoming friendlies, the Argentine Football Association plans to leave the famous number vacant until Messi’s farewell match.
Messi is scheduled to make his final appearance for Argentina on October 6, when the world champions face Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. Before that, Argentina will play Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30 and Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3. Messi will not feature in those first two matches.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Bolivia match, Scaloni said there was no requirement for another player to wear the No. 10 during the upcoming fixtures.
“We don’t have to give the No. 10 to anyone for these matches, so until Leo’s farewell we won’t give it to anyone,” Scaloni said. “After that, we will see who gets it. We haven’t decided yet.”
Scaloni indicated that the shirt could eventually be assigned permanently to one player because of the significance attached to it. Among the players being discussed as potential successors are Nicolás Paz, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez, although no choice has been made.
The coach also acknowledged the challenge of rebuilding the team without Messi and suggested that Argentina may need to adapt tactically.
“We will find a way to play differently,” Scaloni said, while stressing that possession would remain an important part of Argentina’s identity.
“These matches are for experimenting. Our main idea will remain to control the ball. Then we will see how we adapt depending on the circumstances.”
Scaloni has also been considering pairing Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez in attack. The two forwards trained together in a recent tactical session, suggesting Argentina could use both from the start against Bolivia.
Argentina are also expected to make several changes as they begin a new phase following the 2026 World Cup. Agustín Giay could start on the right, while Exequiel Palacios is among the options to replace the suspended Enzo Fernández. Valentín Barco could also feature in midfield, while Nicolás Paz is one of the players expected to shoulder greater creative responsibility in Messi’s absence.
Scaloni’s own future with Argentina is another issue under discussion. His current contract runs through December, but he has indicated that he is open to continuing and is expected to discuss a possible renewal with AFA president Claudio Tapia. A new agreement could potentially run through the 2030 World Cup.
Explaining his willingness to remain in charge, Scaloni said he believes Argentina will continue to compete at the highest level.
“We will always compete—that’s what I’m sure of. That’s why I decided to stay,” he said, pointing to the emergence of new talent and the enthusiasm of young players to represent the national team.
Messi’s final appearance for Argentina is set for October 6 against Benin at the Monumental, marking the end of a 21-year international career and the beginning of a new era for the national side.
