Messi No.10 Shock! FIFA Rejects Argentina’s Plan To Retire Legendary Jersey

FIFA regulations have complicated Argentina’s reported plan to retire Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt following the football superstar’s international retirement.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Argentine Football Association had considered honouring Messi by permanently withdrawing the No. 10 jersey from use after his final appearance for the national team. However, FIFA’s squad-numbering requirements for major tournaments mean Argentina cannot simply leave the number unassigned when the applicable competition rules require squad numbers to be allocated.

For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, participating teams were required to submit squads of between 23 and 26 players, with FIFA’s tournament provisions stipulating that numbers 1 to 26 be allocated to players. Argentina’s official World Cup squad included Messi wearing the No. 10 shirt.

The situation means that while Argentina could honour Messi in other ways, permanently removing the No. 10 from its international squad numbering could conflict with FIFA requirements during competitions governed by those regulations.

Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, bringing an end to his latest chapter with the Argentine national team. FIFA confirmed his decision following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

The 39-year-old is, however, set to make one final appearance for Argentina in a farewell friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6. The Argentine Football Association invited Messi to take part in the match as a tribute to his international career.

Messi has worn Argentina’s famous No. 10 shirt throughout much of his international career and has become closely associated with the number. FIFA records also highlight his extensive World Cup achievements, including appearances across six editions of the tournament and numerous scoring and playmaking records.