Argentina's number 10 shirt must not retire with Lionel Messi, according to an opinion analysis published by Al Jazeera. The debate was reignited following the captain's official retirement announcement last Monday, after a 21-year career and 207 caps for the national team. The piece argues that, despite the immense legacy of Messi and Diego Maradona, the jersey must continue its legacy on the pitch, not in a museum.
Why is the number 10 so significant?
The number 10 shirt is traditionally worn by the creative player in Argentine football, a symbol that gained eternal significance after Diego Maradona's performance at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Lionel Messi took on that legacy and raise it over two decades, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists. Together, Maradona and Messi wore the 10 in 10 of the last 12 World Cups Argentina competed in, scoring 29 goals in the tournament and leading the team to five finals. "I emptied myself. I have nothing more to give," Messi wrote in a public letter to his father, who passed away 20 days after the 2026 final against Spain.
What prevents retiring the shirt?
There are practical and philosophical obstacles. FIFA's squad-numbering rules for official competitions prevent retiring a number, which would force the AFA to skip it in their squad lists-an awkward solution. Beyond regulations, the Al Jazeera article suggests retiring the 10 would freeze history rather than allow it to evolve. Jorge Valdano, former player and pundit, reflected on the farewell: "And we are full. Messi may have emptied himself, but Argentina was full of everything he had given it." The AFA has already published an emotional farewell video, but the decision on the jersey number remains pending.
Who could inherit the legacy?
The discussion now centers on who is ready to shoulder the symbolic weight of the shirt. The Argentina national team, currently sitting first in the World Cup standings with 9 points from 9, needs its next creative leader to emerge. The team has a positive goal difference of 8 scored and only 1 conceded this season, showing a solid foundation to build upon. You can check the squad list makeup on our squad page. The responsibility will fall to a player who must inspire a group coming off a run of four wins in their last five matches, with the sole defeat being that final against Spain on July 19.
What is the team's immediate context?
Argentina must look forward. The team's recent form (LWWWW) shows the collective machine is still running despite the loss of its star. The immediate challenge is to consolidate top spot in the group stage and pave the way for the next World Cup cycle. Fans can follow the team's progress and fixture schedule in our fixtures section. The closing of the Messi era, marked by eight goals and four assists in his final World Cup at age 39, is a full stop, but not the end of the story. Argentina's next squad list will, by rule, include a number 10 shirt.
