Argentina weighs retiring Messi's No. 10, faces FIFA rules blocking the move

Argentina's football federation is considering retiring the No. 10 shirt permanently in honor of Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football, but FIFA's squad-numbering rules are preventing the move. Under FIFA regulations, teams must register players with consecutive numbers from 1 to 23 — or up to 26 in expanded squads — at the World Cup and other official tournaments, leaving no room for an unused number. As a result, Argentina would be required to field a No. 10 in upcoming official matches unless the rules are changed. The federation had previously considered retiring the shirt for Messi, and a similar attempt was made before the 2002 World Cup to honor Diego Maradona. FIFA rejected that request, and Ariel Ortega wore the number in the tournament. Friendlies and exhibition matches offer more flexibility, allowing teams to leave the shirt vacant or use it ceremonially. With Messi's departure, young players Niko Paz, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández and Thiago Almada have been cited as potential candidates to inherit the No. 10 jersey.