Argentina’s search for Lionel Messi’s No.10 successor is heating up, with Nico Paz now emerging as a leading candidate after receiving public support from Emiliano Martinez.

Argentina appear to find Messi’s No.10 successor as Dibu Martinez gives clear backing

Argentina may already have a leading candidate to inherit Lionel Messi’s legendary No.10 shirt, with Nico Paz receiving major public support from one of the national team’s biggest leaders.

The question of who will wear Argentina’s most famous shirt after Messi has become one of the biggest talking points around the world champions.

Several young stars have been mentioned as possible successors.

But in recent days, one name has started to move ahead of the others.

Nico Paz is increasingly being viewed as one of the strongest candidates to become Argentina’s next No.10.

Dibu Martinez gives Nico Paz major backing

The latest development came from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Dibu has publicly suggested that Paz could be the player to inherit Messi’s famous number.

After another impressive performance from the young midfielder, Martinez reacted on social media with a message questioning whether Paz could become Argentina’s new No.10.

The comment immediately created excitement among supporters because Dibu is one of the most important figures inside Argentina’s dressing room.

His support does not mean a final decision has been made.

But it is a major sign that Paz is gaining support from senior members of the national team.

Nico Paz moves ahead in the race

Paz has strengthened his position through his performances for Argentina.

The midfielder has impressed with his creativity, confidence and ability to play between the lines.

He has also shown that he can score goals and create chances at international level.

Those qualities make him a natural candidate for the creative role that Messi has controlled for so many years.

Argentina are not looking for another Messi because replacing the greatest player in their history is impossible.

Instead, they need a new player capable of carrying more creative responsibility in the next generation.

Paz is beginning to look like one of the clearest options.

Scaloni has not made a final decision

However, there is one very important detail.

Lionel Scaloni has not officially announced who will permanently inherit Argentina’s No.10 shirt.

The head coach is continuing to evaluate several players as Argentina prepare for life after Messi.

That means Paz should currently be described as a leading candidate rather than the confirmed new owner of the number.

Argentina could also decide to use the shirt differently depending on squad selections before finally giving it to one player on a long-term basis.

Mastantuono remains a serious rival

Franco Mastantuono is another name strongly connected with the No.10 shirt.

The young Argentine has already worn the number for the national team when Messi was unavailable.

That experience makes Mastantuono one of Paz’s biggest rivals in the race to become Messi’s long-term successor.

His technical ability, creativity and attacking style also fit the profile traditionally associated with Argentina’s No.10.

Argentina therefore have more than one exciting young option.

Other Argentina stars could also be considered

Paz and Mastantuono are not the only players who could eventually receive the famous shirt.

Thiago Almada has also played an important creative role under Scaloni.

Players such as Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez are also major figures in Argentina’s new generation.

However, recent discussion has placed Paz closer to the centre of the No.10 debate.

Dibu Martinez’s public support has only increased that attention.

Argentina face emotional decision after Messi

The No.10 shirt carries enormous meaning in Argentina.

Diego Maradona made the number legendary before Messi created another historic era wearing it.

For that reason, choosing the next player will be far more important than a normal shirt-number decision.

Whoever receives it will immediately face huge expectations from supporters and the media.

The next No.10 will constantly be compared with two of the greatest footballers of all time.

Argentina cannot simply forget the No.10 shirt

Some supporters have suggested Argentina should retire Messi’s number permanently.

But doing that in major international competitions would be extremely difficult because tournament squad rules require national teams to use specific shirt numbers across registered squads.

That means someone will eventually have to wear Argentina’s No.10 again.

The bigger question is whether Argentina will immediately give the shirt to one permanent successor or allow several players to wear it during the transition period.

Messi’s final appearance could mark the end of an era

For now, the No.10 shirt still belongs to Messi.

Argentina are preparing to celebrate the legendary forward before the national team fully enters a new era.

Once Messi’s international journey officially ends, attention will quickly turn toward the identity of his successor.

And recent developments suggest Nico Paz could be closer than anyone else to taking that responsibility.

Dibu’s message could be an important signal

Dibu Martinez does not decide which player receives Argentina’s shirt numbers.

That responsibility ultimately belongs to the coaching staff and the national team.

But his public support carries weight.

Martinez is one of Argentina’s most experienced leaders and has shared the dressing room with Messi throughout the team’s greatest recent successes.

His backing suggests Paz is already earning major respect inside Argentina’s senior squad.

Argentina’s new No.10 race is heating up

The final decision has not yet been made.

Scaloni still has several talented options available as Argentina prepare for their post-Messi future.

But the race is becoming clearer.

Mastantuono remains a serious candidate, while other attacking stars could still enter the discussion.

For now, however, Nico Paz appears to have moved into pole position, with Dibu Martinez giving the strongest public hint yet about who could inherit Lionel Messi’s legendary No.10 shirt.