The Argentina national team must decide who will wear the number 10 shirt following Lionel Messi's retirement. Four players have emerged as the leading contenders to inherit the historic jersey this week.
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, aged 27, is one of the strongest options. With 54 caps and seven goals for Argentina, his experience in the World Cup-winning cycle and the trust of coach Lionel Scaloni place him in a favorable position. Mac Allister is a key piece at Liverpool and his international profile continues to rise.
Enzo Fernández consolidated himself quickly after his debut in 2022. The 25-year-old midfielder was a starter during the Qatar World Cup and currently has 49 caps and eight goals for Argentina. His youth and projection make him a natural leader for the new era. Fernández represents the bridge between the champion generation and the team's future.
The squad has a solid group for the 2026 World Cup qualification phase, according to current data on our squad page. The team led by Scaloni maintains an experienced core that seeks renewal without losing competitiveness. The upcoming South American qualifiers, will be the first test for this new era.
Thiago Almada has already worn the number 10 shirt in some previous matches. His offensive profile and ability to unbalance defenses make him a valid alternative for the jersey. On the other hand, Nico Paz symbolizes the purest bet on generational renewal. His inclusion in the conversation reflects Scaloni's search to rejuvenate the squad.
The succession of the number 10 is one of the great symbols of Argentina's new chapter. Messi wore the jersey regularly from 2009 onward, irrevocably associating it with his figure. Before him, Diego Maradona was its great owner, creating a historical lineage that now seeks continuity. Between them, players like Sergio Agüero, Javier Pastore, Ángel Di María, Paulo Dybala and Franco Mastantuono wore it on specific occasions.
The designation of the new number 10 will have sporting and symbolic implications. Scaloni must balance the weight of history with the tactical needs of the current team. Argentina's most emblematic shirt is vacant for the first time in 17 years.
The selection process has no official date, but it is expected to be resolved before the next official matches. The final decision will rest with the coaching staff, who will evaluate not only footballing quality, but also the ability to carry the weight of tradition. Individual performance data, available in our stats section, will be another factor in this complex assessment.
The new era of the Argentina national team, without Messi, is defined in these details. The choice of the number 10 bearer will be a clear message about the style and values of the team competing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The path to that objective begins with decisions like this one, which mix respect for the past with confidence in the future.
