No one doubts that the greatest icon of the historic No. 10 shirt of the Argentina National Team was, is, and always will be Diego Armando Maradona. However, over time, several players have dared to wear it, sparking debate over whether they were —or were not— up to the myth.

In Argentina’s most recent 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Ecuador, young Real Madrid prospect Franco Mastantuono wore the mythical “10” shirt of the Albiceleste, once again igniting discussion about the heirs to Maradona and Messi.

The Messi era and the eternal legacy

2022 – Lionel Messi, World Champion

In Qatar, Messi was crowned world champion and closed the circle: the No. 10 that once belonged to Maradona found another eternal owner. His goals, leadership, and the trophy lifted high marked ultimate glory.

2018 – Russia and frustration

Once again Messi wore the No. 10, but with a disorganized team. The captain carried the full weight of the shirt, and the project collapsed in the round of 16 against France.

2014 – The absolute leader

In Brazil, Messi led Argentina to the final, won the Golden Ball, and cemented himself as the ultimate reference for the team’s heaviest shirt.

2010 – The beginning of the “Pulga” era 

South Africa was Messi’s first World Cup wearing the No. 10. Maradona, then coach, handed it to him. The symbolic weight was enormous: the natural heir had taken over, though his World Cup brilliance had yet to come.

Other No. 10s before Messi

2006 – Juan Román Riquelme, the last great playmaker

In Germany, Riquelme wore the No. 10 as the brain of Pekerman’s team. Although it wasn’t enough to get past the quarterfinals, he left his mark as a classic conductor.

1998 and 2002 – Ariel Ortega, “El Burrito”

Ortega wore the No. 10 in two consecutive World Cups. He had flair, dribbling, and personality, but Argentina fell short in both tournaments.

1994 – Maradona’s last dance

Maradona played two matches in the U.S. with the No. 10 and his trademark fiery gaze. After his doping suspension, the shirt passed to Ortega, who inherited a historic weight.

The golden decade of Maradona and earlier precedents

1986 and 1990 – Diego Maradona, the absolute owner
In Mexico 1986, Maradona made the No. 10 sacred with his goal against England, the “Hand of God,” and victory at the Azteca. In Italy 1990, playing almost on one leg, he once again led Argentina to the final.

1982 – The beginning of “D10S”
At just 21 years old, Maradona arrived in Spain as football’s new king. It was his first World Cup wearing the No. 10, and although the team failed, history already had its owner.

1978 – Mario Kempes, “El Matador”
Coach Menotti gave him the No. 10 even though he wasn’t a traditional playmaker. He responded with decisive goals that delivered Argentina’s first World Cup star.

1974 – René Houseman, “El Loco”
The skillful Huracán winger wore the No. 10 in Germany. Though not seen as a true heir, he left his street-football flair on the pitch.

1966 – Ermindo Onega
The talented River midfielder was the No. 10 in England, a symbol of creativity in a team still without an eternal icon.