Retirement: FIFA rule blocks Argentina from paying special tribute to Messi

FIFA has prevented Argentina from honoring Lionel Messi with a special tribute following his retirement from football. The Argentine Football Association had planned for no player in the national team to wear the number 10 jersey. FIFA's regulations, however, render this gesture impossible. Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, ending a stellar career spanning over 20 years.

He will officially bid farewell to Argentine fans on October 6 during a friendly match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentina had intended to retire the prestigious number 10 jersey post the event. Messi has played 207 international matches and scored 125 goals. He has also led Argentina to the World Cup final three times in a row, with Spain winning 1-0 in the 2026 final.

Yet, FIFA's rules present an insurmountable challenge for Argentina. During international final tournaments, teams must allocate squad numbers from 1 to 26, meaning they cannot permanently retire a number within that range. Liberia faced a similar predicament. They retired the number 14 jersey in memory of George Weah, but Nicholas Andrews had to wear it during the 2026 World Cup qualification process due to FIFA's rules.

Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's current manager, has not disclosed who will wear Messi's number. He stated that they are not obligated to assign the number for upcoming matches and have not yet decided who will take it.