The future of Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt has become a talking point as Lionel Messi’s international career moves towards its final chapter. Few shirt numbers in world football are as closely associated with a single player as Argentina’s No. 10 is with Messi. For years, the number has been almost synonymous with the forward, making the question of his successor particularly significant.
Messi’s association with the shirt goes far beyond appearances and goals. During his long international career, he became the central figure of Argentina’s team and eventually led the country to major honours, including the Copa América and the 2022 World Cup. As a result, whoever eventually takes the No. 10 will inherit a shirt carrying considerable historical significance.
Former Argentina international footballer and politician Carlos Mac Allister believes the decision should not be made immediately after Messi’s departure. Instead, he has suggested that the national team should take several months to assess its options before settling on a permanent successor.
Speaking to ESPN, Mac Allister said: “I wouldn’t give the 10 to anyone.” He nevertheless identified five players who could be considered for the role. His proposal is for Argentina to allow different players to wear the number for a period before assessing their performances and how well they fit into the evolving national team.
The five names mentioned are Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister and Nico Paz.
Fernandez has become an important presence in Argentina’s midfield, offering both defensive work and the ability to contribute in possession. Alvarez has established himself as a versatile attacking option, while Martinez has been one of the national side’s prominent forwards during the post-2022 World Cup period.
Alexis Mac Allister has also developed into a significant midfield figure for Argentina, contributing to the team’s build-up play and attacking moves. Nico Paz, meanwhile, represents a younger generation of Argentine talent and is among the players being discussed in connection with the national team’s longer-term future.
The debate over the No. 10 shirt is separate from the succession of the captaincy. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has indicated that Cristian Romero will take over as captain after Messi. Romero was already third in the leadership order behind Messi and Nicolas Otamendi.
That leaves Argentina with a clearer picture regarding its next captain, while the future of the No. 10 remains undecided. The decision is likely to attract considerable attention because Messi has made the shirt such an integral part of Argentina’s modern football identity.
For now, there is no confirmed permanent successor. Mac Allister’s suggestion instead points towards a gradual approach, with several players potentially given opportunities before Argentina decide who should carry the famous No. 10 into the next era of the national team.
