The Argentine Football Association has decided not to assign the national team’s iconic No. 10 shirt until Lionel Messi officially ends his international career.
The decision comes as Messi prepares for his farewell appearance with Argentina in a specially arranged match against Benin in October.
Messi is expected to wear the famous jersey one final time before bringing an end to his remarkable journey with the world champions.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that no player will wear the No. 10 shirt during the September and October international windows.
“Until Leo Messi’s match, nobody will wear the 10,” Scaloni said.
As a result, Argentina will leave the jersey vacant for their upcoming friendly matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.
The No. 10 shirt has become synonymous with Messi following his illustrious international career with La Albiceleste.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner helped Argentina win the Copa América, the Finalissima and the FIFA World Cup during his time with the national team.
Messi also holds the record as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
According to reports, the Argentine Football Association will decide who inherits the famous shirt only after Messi’s farewell match.
The upcoming fixture against Benin is expected to mark the end of one of the most successful international careers in football history.
