In Argentina, it is more than a number. It is a mantle, a work of art, and a burden. After Lionel Messi’s retirement from the national team, the question is not just who will wear the No. 10 jersey, but who can possibly bear its weight.
A Legacy Forged by Gods
The myth of the
Argentine No. 10 was not born with Messi; it was bequeathed to him. The sky-blue and white striped shirt, with that single number on the back, became a symbol of genius thanks to Diego Maradona. He turned it into an emblem of rebellious creativity and divine talent, leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986. After him, players like Juan Román Riquelme added their own technical artistry to the legend. Then came Messi. For nearly two decades, he made the number his own, evolving from a dazzling prodigy into a victorious leader who finally delivered the Copa América in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022. To wear this jersey is to carry the weight of Maradona's genius and Messi's completeness. It represents the hopes of a nation that sees football as an extension of its identity.
The Retirement Dilemma
The immediate emotional response from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) was to retire the number entirely. In early 2024, AFA President Claudio Tapia stated that the No. 10 would be retired for life in Messi's honour when he stepped away from the national team. However, football's governing bodies have strict rules. FIFA and CONMEBOL regulations for major tournaments like the World Cup and Copa América require teams to use consecutive numbers for their squad, typically from 1 to 26. This makes retiring the number impossible in official competitions. Argentina faced this exact issue when they tried to retire the No. 10 for Maradona before the 2002 World Cup; FIFA denied the request, and the shirt was eventually passed on. While the jersey may be left vacant for friendly matches as a tribute, someone will have to wear it when it truly matters.
The Frontrunner: Nico Paz
Many insiders point to one name as the designated heir: Nico Paz. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who came through Real Madrid's academy, has the creative profile traditionally associated with the No. 10. He is a left-footed playmaker known for his intelligence, vision, and ability to operate between the lines. Reports suggest that manager Lionel Scaloni has internally identified Paz as the leading candidate to build the team's new era around. He has already worn the No. 10 for his club Como and has impressed in his early appearances for the national team, suggesting he is being groomed for the role. The plan seems to be to give the shirt to one player who can make it their own, rather than rotating it.
The Established Option: Julián Álvarez
While Paz is the exciting future, Julián Álvarez represents the proven present. Though he typically wears No. 9, his importance to the team is undeniable. He was a key figure in the World Cup qualifying campaign and has the trust of the squad. In a recent interview, new Argentina captain Cristian Romero even endorsed his Atlético Madrid teammate for the role, citing his humble character and on-field qualities. However, some argue that Álvarez is more of a goalscorer than the magical playmaker the No. 10 shirt demands, which could work against him. Handing him the jersey would signal a shift in the role's meaning, from a pure creator to a talismanic forward.
Other Contenders in the Wings
Beyond the two main candidates, a host of talented players are in the conversation. Midfield engines like Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea's Enzo Fernández have the technical quality and established presence to take on the responsibility. Mac Allister already wears the No. 10 for his club, making him a natural fit. Creative talents like Thiago Almada and Franco Mastantuono are also seen as potential inheritors. Mastantuono, in fact, was the last player other than Messi to wear the number in a competitive match during an injury absence. Each player offers a different interpretation of any role, from a deeperlyng orchestrator to a dynamic attacker, reflecting any tactical evolution of any modern game.
