FIFA blocks Argentina’s plan to retire Messi’s No. 10 shirt

FIFA has ruled against Argentina's proposal to retire Lionel Messi's jersey number 10, according to GOAL.com. The Argentine Football Association aimed to permanently retire the number upon Messi's retirement from international football following his announcement on August 31 that he would end his international career after more than two decades with Argentina.

Messi, who has made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for his country, has worn the No. 10 shirt throughout his international career. FIFA's regulations, however, stipulate that teams participating in international final tournaments must use squad numbers ranging from 1 to 26, which precludes Argentina from permanently retiring the No. 10 shirt.

Liberia faced a similar issue after retiring the No. 14 shirt in honor of former striker and president George Weah, leading FIFA to require the number to be used during their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has yet to determine who will wear Messi's number in future matches, stating that they are not obligated to assign it for upcoming games and that the decision will be made after Messi's farewell appearance on October 6 against Benin in Buenos Aires.

Nico Paz, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder who previously played for Real Madrid and is currently with Italian side Como, is considered the leading candidate to take over the No. 10 shirt if Scaloni extends his contract.