The Race Is On: Who Will Claim Argentina's Sacred No. 10 Jersey Before Messi's Final Bow?

Lionel Messi's tenure wearing the No. 10 jersey for Argentina is drawing to a close, and a host of players are eager to claim the legendary number.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient announced he would retire from international soccer after the 2026 World Cup, bringing the curtain down on a storied career with La Albiceleste. As a fitting send-off, Messi will make one final appearance for Argentina at the end of the September-October international window.

Before Messi links up with Lionel Scaloni's side for his farewell fixture against Benin, Argentina must first play two friendlies without their captain. His No. 10 shirt is therefore available for the matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.

Scaloni, however, is in no hurry to assign the number to anyone. "We aren't obligated to give it out for these games, so we won't hand it to anyone until Leo's farewell match," the coach stated.

"The plan is for someone to eventually take it on, given how meaningful it is to wear. We just haven't made that decision yet."

Argentina's Fall Friendlies Schedule

Candidates to Wear Messi's No. 10 Shirt for Argentina

There is no clear heir to Messi's role within the national team setup. There is no Lamine Yamal-type figure stepping into his shoes and rewriting the record books on a comparable path. It came as little surprise when the Spanish teenager inherited the No. 10 shirt at Barcelona.

The candidates in Argentina are less clear-cut. If Messi wishes to pass his shirt to a dynamic attacker, Julián Alvarez stands as the frontrunner. The 26-year-old, who lifted the 2022 World Cup alongside Messi, will now be expected to shoulder much of the team's attacking responsibility in the icon's absence.

Franco Mastantuono is another possibility, having worn the No. 10 during World Cup qualifying. However, it's difficult to envision the honor going to a player who wasn't even selected for this summer's tournament.

There are more compelling candidates in midfield. Alexis Mac Allister wears the No. 10 for Liverpool and is a key figure for La Albiceleste. Enzo Fernández is another cornerstone of the side, one who looks set to be a fixture in Scaloni's starting XI for many years ahead.

Looking further to the future, Nico Paz could inherit the number if Argentina truly wants to signal its ambitions. The Como youngster is a rising star, possessing the vision and creativity synonymous with elite No. 10s around the world. It would feel entirely fitting for the shirt to pass to another left-footed playmaker.

Scaloni Using Friendlies to 'Experiment'

While Messi's successor remains unclear, one undeniable reality hangs over Argentina: Scaloni's side must find a way to succeed without leaning so heavily on the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

La Albiceleste were far from convincing at the 2026 World Cup, carried to the final by a breathtaking individual campaign from Messi and some contentious officiating. The Barcelona legend netted eight of the team's 19 goals throughout the tournament and was virtually the only player willing to take the fight to Spain in the final.

Replicating Messi's output, leadership, and sheer brilliance will be an almost impossible task for Argentina, but Scaloni must begin mapping out a post-Messi era.

"We'll find a way to play differently," Scaloni said ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Bolivia. "That's what these matches are for—to experiment. That said, our core identity still centers on controlling possession. From there, we'll see how we adapt."

"We will always compete—I am certain of that—which is why I chose to stay," Scaloni added, referencing his recent contract extension that ties him to Argentina through the 2030 World Cup.

"We see the talent emerging and the desire to be part of this team. Not one player declined a call-up for this window, which speaks volumes. We are guaranteed to be competitive against anyone, and I have no doubt we will perform at the highest level."