FIFA regulations will prevent Argentina from retiring the No. 10 shirt worn by Lionel Messi at major international tournaments.
According to GiveMeSport, the regulations require national teams competing in FIFA tournaments to assign squad numbers consecutively, meaning Argentina would have to allocate the No. 10 shirt to a player.
FIFA’s regulations for the 2026 World Cup provide for squad numbers from 1 to 26, with the No. 1 shirt reserved for a goalkeeper. The numbers are assigned to players on the official squad list for the tournament.
The development follows Messi’s retirement from international football after his final appearance for Argentina against Benin. The 39-year-old scored in the 3-0 victory at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
Messi ended his Argentina career as the country’s record appearance holder and leading scorer, having made 208 appearances and scored 126 goals. He also led the team to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar.
Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia had previously said the No. 10 shirt would be retired after Messi ended his career. However, the FIFA regulations mean the number will remain available for allocation at World Cup tournaments.
GiveMeSport reported that Como midfielder Nico Paz is among the players who could eventually take over the shirt, although no official decision has been announced by the Argentine Football Association.
