Immortal No.10? Argentina discuss retiring Messi's shirt forever
The ultimate tribute is on the table in Buenos Aires: Argentina's No.10 may never be worn by anyone again.
Details: The Argentine Football Association are considering retiring Lionel Messi's iconic No.10 shirt permanently following his international retirement. The idea is being discussed as a historic tribute to arguably the country's greatest-ever player, days after the 39 year old confirmed he was stepping away from the national team.
Messi signed off after 21 years, 125 goals, the 2022 World Cup, two Copa Americas and a final run to the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina fell to Spain in extra time. The No.10 carries almost sacred weight in Argentina: it belonged to Diego Maradona before him, and retiring it would seal Messi's place alongside him forever. There is, however, a significant obstacle. FIFA rules require tournament squads to wear numbers 1 through 23, and world football's governing body blocked a similar plan to retire the No.10 for Maradona. Even if the shirt itself cannot be shelved, the tributes keep multiplying: this weekend every match in Argentina will pause in the 10th minute for a minute of applause in his honor.
It's worth noting that the last player other than Messi to wear Argentina's No.10 was Franco Mastantuono in September 2025, and the teenager did not even make the 2026 World Cup squad.
Reminder: Cherif Ndiaye announces his retirement from international football.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
