Lionel Scaloni’s Plan for Argentina’s Iconic No. 10 Shirt After Messi’s International Retirement

Argentina’s No. 10 Will Have to Wait

Lionel Scaloni is beginning to prepare Argentina for a reality that once seemed far away: a national team without Lionel Messi. Few decisions symbolize that change more than the future of the legendary No. 10 shirt.

The Argentina boss explained that the number will not immediately be handed to another player. There is no requirement to assign it for the upcoming matches, meaning it will remain reserved until after Messi’s farewell game against Burkina Faso on October 6.

Only then will the search formally begin for a new owner of a shirt that has been associated with names such as Diego Maradona and Messi, carrying a sporting and emotional weight few numbers in world football can match.

The Names in the Frame to Inherit the Shirt

According to TyC Sports, Franco Mastantuono and Nicolás Paz are among the main candidates being considered by the coaching staff to take over the No. 10 in Argentina’s next chapter.

Franco Mastantuono is one of the brightest prospects of the new generation, while Paz also fits the creative profile traditionally associated with the shirt.

According to TN Deportes, the intention is to avoid rotating the number constantly between different call-ups. Scaloni would rather choose one player who can truly make the shirt his own and carry the responsibility that comes with it.

Scaloni Wants a Gradual Transition

Waiting until after Messi’s farewell also creates a clear separation between two eras.

First comes the symbolic end of the captain’s chapter. Then begins the process of building a new hierarchy within a team that has already been introducing younger players without abruptly dismantling the structure behind its recent success.

That transition will also affect leadership inside the dressing room, with Cristian “Cuti” Romero set to take over the captaincy and become one of the central figures of the new cycle.

Scaloni’s Own Future Is Also in Focus

The Argentina boss also used his appearance in Ezeiza to dismiss reports linking him with River Plate, insisting there has been no contact with the club.

His contract with the AFA expires on December 31, with talks over an extension now a priority as both sides consider continuing the project.

While his own future is still being decided, Scaloni is already making choices that will shape Argentina after Messi. And few will carry more symbolism than deciding who becomes the next player allowed to wear the No. 10 shirt.

What to Know About Argentina’s No. 10

• The shirt will remain reserved until after Lionel Messi’s farewell match.
• Franco Mastantuono and Nicolás Paz are among the candidates to inherit it.
• Scaloni wants the No. 10 to have one established owner, rather than rotate between players.

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