Argentina’s hopes of permanently retiring Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt have been thwarted by FIFA regulations governing squad numbers at major international tournaments.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) reportedly wanted to retire the famous shirt as a lasting tribute to Messi, who recently announced his retirement from international football after a remarkable career with the national team.
Messi, 39, has worn Argentina’s No. 10 shirt for much of his international career and leaves the national side as its record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer. He is also a World Cup winner, having led Argentina to glory at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
However, FIFA regulations require teams competing in major international tournaments to allocate squad numbers within a consecutive range. At the 2026 World Cup, for example, Argentina’s 26-man squad was assigned numbers from 1 to 26, with Messi wearing No. 10. (FIFA)
The regulation means Argentina cannot simply remove No. 10 from its tournament squad numbering permanently.
The situation is not entirely new. Argentina previously faced a similar obstacle when it attempted to retire the No. 10 shirt in honour of Diego Maradona. FIFA’s numbering requirements meant the shirt had to remain available for international competition.
For now, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has indicated that the No. 10 will not immediately be handed to another player following Messi’s farewell. Reports suggest the shirt could remain unused in some matches before a decision is made on its next permanent wearer. (Punch Newspapers)
Messi is scheduled to make his farewell appearance for Argentina against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental on 6 October. The match will mark the end of an extraordinary international career spanning more than two decades. (FIFA)
But while Argentina may be unable to retire the number officially, Messi’s legacy means the No. 10 shirt is likely to remain permanently associated with the football icon in the eyes of supporters.
