Argentina’s number 10 left vacant after Messi retirement as Nico Paz leads succession race

Argentina have left the iconic number 10 shirt vacant following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football, with Como midfielder Nico Paz emerging as the leading candidate to inherit it.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, manager Lionel Scaloni does not plan to assign the shirt immediately. No player will wear it during the current period, with a final decision expected closer to Argentina’s next official fixtures.

Messi announced the end of his international career on 7 October, closing an 18-year association with the shirt. The Inter Miami forward made 171 appearances for Argentina between 2008 and 2026 and led the team to Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 World Cup.

The number 10 featured in 118 of his 126 goals for Argentina. He also became the country’s leading scorer, record appearance-maker and top assist provider, while setting World Cup records for appearances, goals and assists. Figures cited by AS list Messi with 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 international matches.

The potential successor will therefore be taking on a role far beyond a tactical position. The shirt has been worn by Mario Kempes, Diego Maradona, Juan Roman Riquelme and Messi, and its next holder will be judged against that history.

Five contenders to replace Messi

Paz is currently considered the strongest candidate after an impressive season with Como under Cesc Fabregas. The attacking midfielder has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 13 matches, while also influencing build-up play, creating chances and operating effectively between the lines.

Julian Alvarez offers a different profile. The Atletico de Madrid forward has been one of Argentina’s most important attacking players in recent years, with his pressing, movement and ability to create space making him a trusted option for Scaloni. His profile is closer to Sergio Aguero’s than to a traditional number 10.

Enzo Fernandez is another possibility after establishing himself as a key midfielder for Argentina. He announced himself at the 2022 World Cup by scoring against Mexico and has since become central to the team’s control of games. His leadership qualities were also recognised by Chelsea, who gave him the captaincy relatively soon after his arrival.

Alexis Mac Allister has worn number 10 during spells at Argentinos Juniors, Brighton and Liverpool. His versatility, technical ability and leadership make him a balanced option in midfield.

Franco Mastantuono completes the shortlist. The former River Plate player moved to Real Madrid with significant expectations but has not yet enjoyed regular opportunities in Europe. His talent and the attention surrounding his transfer give him prominence, although consistent performances will be needed.

A shirt with an unusual history

When Messi was unavailable, the number 10 was worn once by Federico Insua, Ever Banega, Erik Lamela and Mastantuono. Enzo Perez, Nicolas Gaitan, Hector Canteros, Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala wore it twice, while Angel Correa used it four times and Aguero seven.

The number has not always belonged to an attacker or playmaker. At Copa America 1997, goalkeeper Nacho Gonzalez wore it because Daniel Passarella retained an alphabetical shirt-numbering system previously used by Cesar Luis Menotti at the 1978 World Cup.

Kempes wore the number at the 1978 World Cup, before Maradona used it in 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1994. Ariel Ortega followed in 1998 and 2002, Riquelme in 2006, and Messi from 2010 through 2026.

Maradona’s 1986 tournament, including his infamous handball and his solo “Goal of the Century” against England, made the shirt even more iconic. Now Scaloni must decide whether Paz will begin its next chapter or whether Argentina will choose another successor to Messi.