Cristian Romero has named Julian Alvarez as his preferred successor to Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt. However, the Argentina striker reportedly wants to keep his current number.

Argentina Captain Picks Messi’s No. 10 Successor but Receives Surprising Response

Argentina captain Cristian Romero has named Julian Alvarez as the player he believes should inherit Lionel Messi’s legendary No. 10 shirt, but the Atletico Madrid striker reportedly does not want to change his number.

Following Messi’s retirement from international football, Argentina are preparing for a new era without their greatest modern star.

One of the biggest questions is who will take over the famous No. 10 shirt.

Romero has now revealed his preferred choice, although the player himself appears to have a different idea.

Cristian Romero chooses Julian Alvarez to replace Messi

Speaking during an interview with Los Edul, Romero was asked who should wear Argentina’s No. 10 shirt after Messi.

The new Argentina captain immediately named his Atletico Madrid teammate Julian Alvarez.

Romero explained that Alvarez has the talent, personality and humility needed to take on such an important responsibility.

He believes the 26-year-old striker has the right qualities to follow in Messi’s footsteps.

However, Romero also admitted that Argentina have several other talented players who could deserve the famous shirt.

Julian Alvarez reportedly refuses to change his number

Despite Romero’s strong support, Alvarez appears happy with his current No. 9 shirt.

Romero revealed that he has already spoken to the striker several times about taking Messi’s number.

However, Alvarez reportedly prefers to continue wearing the number he already has.

Interestingly, Alvarez has not publicly announced that he is refusing the No. 10 shirt. The information comes from Romero’s own comments.

This has created an unexpected situation as Argentina search for a player to inherit Messi’s iconic number.

Romero wanted Argentina to retire Messi’s No. 10 shirt

Before choosing Alvarez, Romero admitted that he would prefer Argentina to retire the No. 10 shirt as a tribute to Messi.

He even suggested displaying the famous shirt at the Argentine Football Association’s headquarters.

However, the defender acknowledged that competition rules make permanently retiring the number difficult.

That is why Romero believes Alvarez would be the best choice to continue Messi’s legacy.

Who will inherit Messi’s legendary No. 10?

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has not officially announced who will wear the famous number.

Other players, including Nico Paz, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, have also been mentioned as possible candidates.

For now, Alvarez remains Romero’s personal choice rather than an officially selected successor.

With Messi’s international career now over, Argentina must make an important decision about one of the most famous shirts in football history.

But whether Julian Alvarez will eventually accept the responsibility remains uncertain.