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Lionel Messi has ended his international football career, but his iconic Argentina No 10 shirt cannot simply follow him into retirement. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has previously confirmed their intention to retire the number when Messi concludes his Argentine career. However, FIFA rules present a significant obstacle.

For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA stipulated that only shirt numbers 1 to 26 could be allocated to players. Given that squads are permitted to field up to 26 players, permanently removing No 10 becomes practically unfeasible for a full squad. Argentina could reserve the number for specific friendlies, but during major tournaments, the famous shirt would have to return to circulation.

This issue mirrors a past situation involving Diego Maradona's shirt. Argentina attempted to retire Maradona’s number ahead of the 2002 World Cup, but FIFA denied the request. Eventually, Ariel Ortega donned No 10 for Argentina during that tournament. Ironically, if Argentina had been permitted to permanently retire Maradona’s number, Messi may not have inherited it and created his own legacy wearing No 10.

Now, the same predicament persists. Messi's retirement leaves the question of permanently retiring his No 10 shirt unresolved. Unless FIFA alters its regulations, someone will inevitably have to wear Argentina's No 10 again at some point. While some may argue that Argentina should not retire the shirt, it is important to consider that many young players will aspire to wear that historic number and represent their country one day.

Regardless of the circumstances, Messi's influence on Argentine football and the global stage will endure for generations. Messi's greatest legacy may not be winning the World Cup, but rather the indelible mark he has left on the game and his nation.