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

FIFA regulations have reportedly complicated the Argentine Football Association’s plan to permanently retire Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt following the legendary forward’s decision to end his international career.

Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, bringing an end to his Argentina career after more than two decades with the national team. FIFA also confirmed his decision, describing the 39-year-old as Argentina’s No. 10 and a World Cup winner.

The Inter Miami forward has been closely associated with the No. 10 shirt throughout his international career, including during Argentina’s successful 2022 World Cup campaign. He also wore the number during the 2026 World Cup, where FIFA’s official squad listing confirmed him as Argentina’s No. 10.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Argentine Football Association had wanted to retire the shirt as a permanent tribute to Messi. However, FIFA’s regulations governing international tournaments require participating teams to assign squad numbers within the permitted range, creating a challenge for any attempt to permanently remove the No. 10 from circulation.

A similar situation previously arose with Liberia after the country retired the No. 14 shirt in honour of former striker and president George Weah, although the number was subsequently required for international competition.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has reportedly indicated that the No. 10 shirt would not immediately be handed to another player as the team prepares for Messi’s farewell appearance.

The identity of Messi’s eventual successor as Argentina’s No. 10 remains undecided, although ESPN Argentina reporter Federico Bueno reportedly identified Nico Paz as a leading candidate should Scaloni continue as head coach.

Paz, who developed at Real Madrid before moving permanently to Italian side Como, has already represented Argentina and is regarded as one of the emerging players within the national team setup.

FIFA’s official records show that Messi wore the No. 10 shirt for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing the significance of the number as the country considers how to handle it following his international retirement.