Lionel Scaloni has confirmed Argentina's iconic number 10 shirt will not be retired when Lionel Messi steps away from international football, but the forward's successor is yet to be decided.
In the wake of the Albiceleste's World Cup final defeat to Spain in July, Messi confirmed he would bring an end to his incredible international career.
Messi will retire from Argentina duty as the only man to ever start three World Cup finals, the leading appearance-maker in the history of FIFA's flagship tournament (34), and the player with the most combined goal involvements at World Cups (33, 21 goals, 12 assists, since assist records began in 1966).
He will make one final appearance for his country in a farewell match against Benin on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental, which will be his 208th senior cap.
Before then, Scaloni's side will host Bolivia on Wednesday and Burkina Faso on Saturday, with Messi not linking up with the squad until after those matches.
Argentina have not yet assigned the number 10 shirt to any other player, and Scaloni says it will not be handed out until after Messi's last game.
"We aren't obligated to assign it for these matches, so we won't give it to anyone until Leo's farewell game," Scaloni told reporters on Tuesday.
"The idea is for someone to eventually take it on, given how special it is to wear. We just haven't decided who yet."
Como's breakout star Nico Paz has been tipped to take the iconic number 10, which was worn by Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona for Argentina's first two World Cup wins in 1978 and 1986, while Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada and Franco Mastantuono are also contenders.
Argentina have confirmed the identity of their next captain, with Cristian Romero taking the armband, but there are still questions regarding how they will adapt their style of play without Messi.
Scaloni, who is in talks over a contract extension to run through the 2030 World Cup, plans to use the upcoming matches to try new things.
"That's what these matches are for – to experiment," Scaloni said. "That said, our core style still revolves around controlling the ball. From there, we'll see how we adapt.
"We will always compete. I am certain of that, which is why I decided to stay. We see the talent coming through and the hunger to be here.
"Not a single player turned down a call-up for this window, which is a great sign.
"We are guaranteed to compete against anyone, and I have no doubt we will perform at a high level."
Coolluck26
0
nico Paz
Bohcimruyz
0
everyone BUT NOBODY
Servando45
0
That’s easy…. nobody!
Tibeikstz
0
Nico Paz will suit in the future, right now no idea
messiTheGoatttt
0
He won’t downgrade 😹😹
says England fan lol.
hapcklmoty
1
I think Messi will decide who wear the number 10 after him
RAISHRI
1
it should be given to paz or dybala
Dihaciknyz
0
Argentina is finished without Messi. Honestly there is nothing to that Albiceleste team except the genius of GOAT MESSI. This is a one man army that can be useless for 99.9% of a game and with only 0.1% change the course of a match forever - argue with your keyboard! Sorry but Argentina is RIP after Messi!
Sorry bro, that is the mentality of an average cr7 fans. Messi doesn't see things the way you explained it,Messi has always put the team ahead of himself and he would never want all his efforts go down the drain seeing Argentina going down.
Dihaciknyz
0
Even Messi would never wish the number 10 is retired, that is the mentality of an average cr7 fans. No true Messi's fan that does not like Yamal wearing number 10,we will be happy to see another player wearing Argentina number 10 jersey again to continue the legacy. You need to check Maradona love for Messi and also Messi's respect, loyalty and love for Maradona, The reason Argentina and Bacca will continue to do well is they believe so much in continuity, team play, anyone who will lead Argentina and bacca and succeed must be a team player rather than an individual player who think and see the team being first and see the team as important than anything.Now you know and understand why Messi doesn't wait waste time in announcing his stepping aside because success without a successor is a failure. Remember the way Messi carried Ansu fati like Ronaldinho carried him to make succeed but it was unfortunate for Fati. The truth is, cr7 and his fans will never wish another player will rise from Madrid, united or Portugal like cr7, in fact they will wish the number 7 is canceled or any player who wear it fails to prove the greatness of cr7. Messi is just the opposite of everything cr7 represent, so know you know why Messi doesn't find it difficult to retire from Argentina and why cr7 is finding very difficult to leave national team despite physically fit he couldn't still fit as sub but still prefer to sit on Portugal bench to hinder young players even when he know he is not wanted again. So sorry for Portugal.
jecaeklryz
0
Retire the number 10 jersey as well
jecaeklryz
0
None can replace him
AB_Muhammad
0
Dybala should be given the chance
Munnikfc
0
they should retire this shirt as the greatest no 10 of all time the shirt deserve to be in a museum
go retire 😪 am
Mujeebgaming
1
they should retire this shirt as the greatest no 10 of all time the shirt deserve to be in a museum
Meydelosy
0
just retire the number 10 jersey when Messi retires
fiscimpsz
0
retired the number
yuzacklprt
1
Julian Alvarez
Shugarzizzle
1
Give it to Dybala
mdassin
2
Nico Paz will be cool for now.
EAG1996
0
If FIFA pick another favorite son the number will be given to him
EAG1996
0
Lami Yamal has to get *Argentina* Citizenship, then he will wear that jersey 🇦🇷 🇦🇷
He won’t downgrade 😹😹
Daniel-Mwansa
1
Lami Yamal has to get *Argentina* Citizenship, then he will wear that jersey 🇦🇷 🇦🇷
Dehdelmopr
0
they must give to Yamal
gurungsisan
0
As a ronaldo fan, no one will succeed as no 10 apart from messi ! 🤝🏻
Richard0010
2
Paz
Constantinetino
0
There's number 10 after Messi anymore ,but if I want to pick anyone temporarily it would be alverez [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Desciklnot
1
Paz for 10 until Ciro plays
Desciklnot
1
Argentina is finished without Messi. Honestly there is nothing to that Albiceleste team except the genius of GOAT MESSI. This is a one man army that can be useless for 99.9% of a game and with only 0.1% change the course of a match forever - argue with your keyboard! Sorry but Argentina is RIP after Messi!
they can still win copa America and reach semi final atleast at wc
vecabcky
0
Paz he playing for Como,should be wearing the #10 when Messi retired from national team.
Jehbcelotz
1
Argentina is finished without Messi. Honestly there is nothing to that Albiceleste team except the genius of GOAT MESSI. This is a one man army that can be useless for 99.9% of a game and with only 0.1% change the course of a match forever - argue with your keyboard! Sorry but Argentina is RIP after Messi!
And that’s good news after we’ve seen there true disgusting nature
tapclnprs
1
Argentina is finished without Messi. Honestly there is nothing to that Albiceleste team except the genius of GOAT MESSI. This is a one man army that can be useless for 99.9% of a game and with only 0.1% change the course of a match forever - argue with your keyboard! Sorry but Argentina is RIP after Messi!