Argentina are entering the post-Messi era, with several stars emerging as potential successors to his iconic No.10 shirt, although no final decision has been made.
Five stars emerge in race to inherit Lionel Messi’s iconic Argentina No.10 shirt
Lionel Messi’s retirement has left Argentina facing a symbolic question: who will inherit the legendary No.10 shirt?
After more than two decades with Messi as the national team’s defining figure, Argentina must eventually assign football’s most famous international number to somebody else.
No official decision has been announced by the Argentine Football Association or Lionel Scaloni, but several candidates have already emerged.
Nico Paz leads the creative candidates
Nico Paz is one of the most discussed potential successors. The attacking midfielder naturally operates between the lines, creates chances and plays in the areas traditionally associated with a No.10.
He also wears the number at club level with Como and has gradually established himself within Argentina’s senior setup.
From a stylistic perspective, Paz may currently be the closest option to a natural creative successor to Messi, although Scaloni has not confirmed that the shirt belongs to him.
Thiago Almada remains a strong option
Thiago Almada also fits the traditional No.10 profile. He is comfortable as an attacking midfielder, has represented Argentina in Messi’s absence and previously wore the number at youth level.
If Scaloni wants to keep No.10 with a specialist creator, Almada will remain firmly in the conversation.
Mac Allister and Lautaro offer experience
Alexis Mac Allister provides a different type of candidate. The Liverpool midfielder is an established member of Argentina’s senior core and a key part of the 2022 World Cup-winning team. He also wears No.10 at club level.
Giving him the shirt would represent continuity and leadership rather than an attempt to replicate Messi’s playing style.
Lautaro Martínez is another senior figure under consideration. The Inter captain wears No.10 for his club and has become one of Argentina’s most important attacking leaders.
Although he has traditionally worn No.22 for Argentina, Lautaro’s experience and leadership make him a credible symbolic successor.
Mastantuono has already worn the number
Franco Mastantuono has already worn Argentina’s senior No.10 shirt when Messi was unavailable. That gives him direct experience with the number at international level.
His age and long-term potential make him an attractive option, although he is still developing his role within the senior squad.
Enzo Fernández is another possibility
Enzo Fernández has also been mentioned. He is already one of Argentina’s most important players and could become a major leader in the post-Messi era.
He is not a classic No.10, but the shirt could be awarded based on status and leadership rather than tactical position.
Argentina could delay a permanent decision
Argentina may choose not to name a permanent successor immediately. When Messi was unavailable in the past, different players occasionally wore No.10, and that approach could continue during the early stages of the new cycle.
The first player to wear the shirt after Messi may therefore not become its long-term owner.
Calls to retire Messi’s No.10
Many supporters believe Argentina should retire the number altogether. AFA president Claudio Tapia previously suggested that the shirt could be retired after Messi’s international career ended.
However, no formal decision has been announced, and FIFA regulations could make the move difficult. Argentina previously faced similar complications when attempting to retire No.10 in honour of Diego Maradona.
That precedent means the number may eventually have to be assigned again, even if the AFA wants to preserve it for Messi.
Argentina must build beyond one player
Messi leaves Argentina as the country’s record appearance-maker and all-time leading goalscorer, having captained the team to the 2022 World Cup, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima.
The next No.10 will inevitably face comparisons, but Argentina’s goal should not be to find “the next Messi.” Julián Álvarez, Lautaro, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister and Cristian Romero can lead the next generation, while Paz, Almada and Mastantuono provide creativity.
No official successor has been chosen
At present, Nico Paz may have the strongest stylistic case, while Mac Allister and Lautaro offer greater experience and status. Almada and Mastantuono remain strong alternatives, with Enzo Fernández also in the discussion.
Argentina have not officially named Messi’s No.10 successor, so any claim that one player has already been confirmed would be premature.
For now, the iconic shirt remains without a confirmed new owner.
