Argentina's New Captain Reveals Who Should Inherit Messi's Iconic No. 10 Jersey

Argentina skipper Cristian Romero has stated he would hand the No. 10 shirt to Julián Alvarez in the wake of Lionel Messi's retirement from international football.

After 208 caps, two Copa América triumphs and a World Cup victory, Messi brought his national team career to a close with a farewell fixture against Benin in October.

The match, known as "the Last Tango", concluded 3–0 in Argentina's favor with Messi getting on the scoresheet—though the result carried little weight, as the occasion was primarily a grand, emotional send-off for one of football's all-time legends.

Argentina will begin its first steps into a post-Messi world during the November international window, with coach Lionel Scaloni and his squad now facing the challenge of moving forward without arguably the greatest footballer to have ever played the game.

There has been considerable discussion surrounding who will take on Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt—a number that carries even greater significance in Argentina, having also been worn by the legendary Diego Maradona.

Romero Backs Fellow Atleti Star

In conversation with YouTuber Gastón Edul, Romero—who was recently named Argentina captain following Messi's departure—shared his view on who deserves to wear the shirt as the team's standout player.

"Personally, I would give it to Julián [Alvarez]," Romero said, continuing: "I don't know, I see him with this humble profile, a family man, a good person, with all the attributes that he possesses.

"We have many quality players in the national team. I say Julián because he has every quality needed to wear the 10."

Romero's endorsement of Alvarez comes as a welcome lift for his Atlético Madrid clubmate. The 26-year-old has had a tough start to the domestic campaign after a move to Barcelona fell through in the summer, leading to him being jeered by Atleti supporters at the Metropolitano.

After netting the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory over Deportivo—his first La Liga strike of the season—Alvarez issued a public apology to Atleti's fans, saying: "I understand why the supporters are upset. If I were a fan, I'd feel the same way. Especially considering how much they've backed me since I joined."

Alvarez has found the net 16 times across 61 appearances for Argentina and was part of both the 2022 World Cup-winning squad as well as the side that finished runner-up to Spain at the 2026 tournament this summer. He wears the No. 19 shirt at Atleti and No. 9 for the national team.

Romero Snubs In-Form Paz

While Romero has thrown his support behind Alvarez as Messi's heir, he passed over what many consider the most popular candidate in Nico Paz.

Though considerably less experienced than Alvarez, the 22-year-old Como sensation has long been touted as the player to spearhead Argentina's attack, having evolved from a promising youngster into a genuine star in recent times.

Crowned Serie A's Best Midfielder last season, the Spanish-born Paz netted 13 times across all competitions for Como as the club secured a historic Champions League berth. The momentum has carried into this season, with Paz capturing worldwide attention through a breakout performance in a 4–1 victory over Manchester United last month, contributing two goals and an assist.

Alvarez vs. Paz in 2026–27

In that fixture, Paz—at just 22 years old—became the youngest Argentine to register three goal contributions in a single Champions League match since Messi achieved the feat back in 2009.

Interestingly, Messi's youngest son Ciro was photographed wearing a Como shirt in a recent Instagram post by his mother—a detail some have interpreted as a subtle nod of approval toward Paz.

Thiago Almada, Alexis Mac Allister and Franco Mastantuono are three other—considerably less likely—candidates who could potentially inherit the No. 10 responsibilities.