The Argentine Football Association (AFA) hit a massive roadblock in their quest to give Lionel Messi the ultimate honor. Following Messi’s decision to retire from international football after an incredible 20-year run, AFA planned to permanently lock away the iconic No. 10 shirt so no other player would ever wear it again.

However, football’s world governing body, FIFA, has officially blocked the move due to strict tournament rules.

Why FIFA Blocked the Retirement Plan

According to official FIFA tournament regulations, every national team participating in major competitions—like the FIFA World Cup and continental tournaments—must submit a squad list with continuous numbering strictly from 1 to 26.

Because FIFA requires every single squad number in that range to be assigned, Argentina cannot leave the No. 10 vacant on official match rosters. While AFA can choose not to hand out the shirt during friendly games, they will be forced to assign it to a player once official tournament football kicks off

Why FIFA Blocked the Retirement Plan

According to official FIFA tournament regulations, every national team participating in major competitions—like the FIFA World Cup and continental tournaments—must submit a squad list with continuous numbering strictly from 1 to 26.

Because FIFA requires every single squad number in that range to be assigned, Argentina cannot leave the No. 10 vacant on official match rosters. While AFA can choose not to hand out the shirt during friendly games, they will be forced to assign it to a player once official tournament football kicks off.

Who Will Inherit Messi’s Legendary No. 10?

With Messi set to make his final farewell appearance for La Albiceleste on October 6 in a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, focus has rapidly shifted to who steps into his massive shoes.

Reports out of Argentina reveal that head coach Lionel Scaloni and his technical team have already identified Nico Paz as the primary candidate to take over the jersey.

• Name: Nico Paz
• Age: 22
• Position: Attacking Midfielder
• Current Club: Como (Italian Serie A)

The youngster, who moved from Real Madrid to Como in a €60 million deal, is widely regarded as one of Argentina’s brightest creative talents. However, coaching staff are expected to handle the transition carefully to shield the 22-year-old from the crushing pressure of stepping directly into Messi’s shadow.

End of a Legendary Era

Messi leaves behind an unparalleled international legacy:

• Caps: 207 appearances
• Goals: 125 international goals
• Major Trophies: 2022 FIFA World Cup, 2 Copa América titles (2021, 2024), Finalissima

Though AFA won’t be allowed to lock the jersey in a museum forever, football fans around the world know that whoever puts on Argentina’s No. 10 next will be wearing the heaviest shirt in modern football history.