Scaloni Has Already Decided Who Will Inherit Lionel Messi’s No. 10 for Argentina
The Albiceleste are entering a new era after the departure of their biggest star, and the coach has reportedly made his decision over the team’s most iconic number.
The Argentina national team is preparing to enter one of the most significant transitions in its recent history. Lionel Messi’s retirement following the 2026 World Cup leaves an enormous void on the field, but it also leaves behind a shirt loaded with history and symbolism: the No. 10.
Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff have been preparing for the Albiceleste’s generational transition for some time. Rebuilding the team is not simply about finding new tactical solutions, but also deciding which players will assume the responsibilities that revolved around Messi for so many years.
And one of the biggest decisions has reportedly already been made. According to journalist Federico Bueno of ESPN Argentina, Nico Paz is the player chosen to inherit the No. 10 shirt and become one of the leading faces of Argentina’s new era.
Nico Paz emerges as Argentina’s bet for the future
At just 21, Nico Paz has become one of the most promising young players in Scaloni’s plans. The attacking midfielder wore No. 18 during his first call-ups to the senior national team, but his development in Europe has reportedly convinced the coaching staff that he is ready for a much bigger responsibility.
The Como star has established himself in Serie A under Cesc Fàbregas, displaying precisely the type of creativity Argentina will need to develop following Messi’s departure.
The plan would be for Paz to take over the No. 10 as Argentina begin their new cycle toward 2030, a decision that would represent far more than a simple change of shirt number. It would also position him as one of the players expected to lead the Albiceleste’s attacking rebuild.
The other candidates to inherit the iconic shirt
Messi’s departure inevitably sparked debate over who should receive Argentina’s most famous number. Established stars such as Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister emerged as natural candidates because of their experience and importance within the team.
However, choosing Paz would represent a different approach. Scaloni reportedly sees the young attacking midfielder as a player capable of taking greater creative responsibility and gradually becoming one of Argentina’s main playmakers.
The challenge could hardly be greater. The No. 10 was synonymous with Messi for years and was previously worn by legendary figures including Diego Armando Maradona, Ariel Ortega, Juan Román Riquelme and Marcelo Gallardo.
Nico Paz has the credentials to take on the challenge
Nico Paz’s development in Italy helps explain why Scaloni would place such faith in him. The midfielder enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Como, recording 13 goals and seven assists while becoming a key figure in Fàbregas’ project.
His ability to operate between the lines, create chances and make an impact around the penalty area has established him as one of the young talents around whom Argentina can build its future.
The objective, however, will not be to find the “next Messi.” Paz would have the opportunity to write his own story with a shirt that will inevitably carry enormous pressure, particularly as the first player entrusted with it in Argentina’s post-Messi era.
Argentina accelerate their generational transition
The Albiceleste’s rebuild extends far beyond Messi’s retirement. The departure of other veterans, including Nicolás Otamendi, means Scaloni must accelerate a transition that will reshape several of the hierarchies established over recent years.
The first signs of that new project will emerge during Argentina’s upcoming international matches, when the coaching staff will have the opportunity to experiment with new partnerships and redistribute responsibilities among the next generation.
In that new landscape, all eyes will inevitably be drawn to Argentina’s most famous shirt. After the Messi era, Scaloni has reportedly chosen Nico Paz to inherit the No. 10 and become one of his biggest bets on the road to 2030.
3 Key Takeaways From Argentina’s New No. 10
- Scaloni reportedly has his choice: according to ESPN Argentina, Nico Paz is the player selected to inherit Messi’s shirt.
- A long-term bet: at just 21, the Como star is emerging as one of the players Argentina want to build their new era around.
- An enormous responsibility: Paz would inherit a number associated with legends including Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Juan Román Riquelme, while facing the challenge of writing his own story.
