Argentina’s iconic number 10 shirt will remain vacant during the next international break following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has reportedly decided that no player will wear the famous shirt during the team’s November friendly matches.
The former world champions are scheduled to face Uruguay during the international window.
Although friendly match regulations do not strictly require squad numbers to follow the traditional sequence from 1 to 11, Argentina’s decision to leave the number 10 shirt unused reflects the significance of Messi’s contribution to the national team.
Scaloni and his coaching staff have reportedly agreed to keep the shirt out of circulation until further notice, in recognition of the former captain.
Messi announced his retirement during the October international break, bringing an end to his international career with Argentina, where he enjoyed several historic achievements.
The decision to reserve his iconic shirt number underscores the place he occupies in the history of Argentine football.