Sacred number! Argentina freeze the No10 shirt until Messi's farewell

Argentina have made it official: the legendary No10 shirt is frozen until Lionel Messi wears it one last time.

Details: The AFA have confirmed that no player will wear the No10 in the upcoming internationals, reserving it for Messi's farewell against Benin at the Monumental on October 6. After that night, a new era begins from 2027. Messi will also wear a special commemorative version of the shirt, unveiled this week, for his final bow in Buenos Aires.

• Also read: Can Croatia Surprise the World Champions? Spain vs Croatia Prediction, September 29, 2026

The decision underlines the magnitude of what is coming. Messi, 39, has already said goodbye to the World Cup stage this summer, and now Argentina prepare the most emotional night in their modern history. The No10 of Maradona and Messi will get a farewell fitting for a deity of the game, in the stadium where so much of the legend was written. Ticket prices have already hit record levels, and the Monumental will be a sea of tears on October 6.

It's worth noting that what happens after is the real question: some in Argentina wanted the shirt retired forever, but the federation has chosen continuity. Whoever inherits the No10 in 2027 will carry the heaviest shirt in football.

Reminder: Official: All 16 participants of the Messi Cup 2026 revealed!