Argentina decide player who will inherit Lionel Messi's No.10 with condition named

Lionel Messi may have been known as a little magician throughout his career, but his departure from international football will leave enormous boots to fill.

Messi confirmed this week that his time with Argentina has come to an end, stepping away as captain with a World Cup winner’s medal and ‘nothing left to give’ while representing the sky blue and white.

Having earned 207 caps during a remarkable international career, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, as well as a number 10 shirt that will place huge pressure on whoever succeeds him, following in the footsteps of both Messi and Diego Maradona.

Reports in Argentina suggest that his successor has already been chosen – but only under one specific condition. ..

ESPN Argentina reports that the future of the famous number is linked to head coach Lionel Scaloni, who guided Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar in 2022 before leading them to the 2026 final.

The 48-year-old has held the managerial role since 2018 and is reportedly set to discuss a fresh contract ‘in the coming months’.

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Should an agreement be reached, Messi’s number 10 shirt is reportedly expected to be handed to 21-year-old attacking midfielder Nico Paz.

Although he was born in Spain, Paz is the son of a former Argentina international. He came through the ranks at Real Madrid Castilla before moving to Serie A club Como in 2024, having made eight senior appearances for the Spanish giants.

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He is considered one of Europe’s brightest young attacking prospects, and he has lived up to that reputation with impressive performances under head coach Cesc Fabregas.

Paz has made 11 appearances for Argentina and has scored 19 goals in 77 matches across all competitions during his time in Italy. Since leaving, speculation about a potential return to the Bernabeu has surfaced during every transfer window.

Lionel Messi’s international football retirement statement

The talented youngster appears to have the qualities needed for the role, but there is no question that wearing the famous shirt would bring enormous scrutiny and expectation.

After all, the player leaving behind the number 10 jersey is widely considered one of the greatest footballers in history.

“It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come,” read Messi’s statement, which was penned just two days after Argentina were beaten by Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey.

“I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.

“I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”

Argentina decide player who will inherit Lionel Messi’s No.10 with condition named

Lionel Messi may have been known as a little magician throughout his career, but his departure from international football will leave enormous boots to fill.

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