Argentina Leaves Lionel Messi’s Iconic No. 10 Shirt Vacant Until Farewell Game

Cristian “Cuti” Romero is set to take over Argentina’s captaincy, becoming a central leader in the team’s next cycle.
Scaloni said Argentina will adapt its play without Messi while retaining its emphasis on possession: “our core style still revolves around controlling the ball.”
Scaloni dismissed reports linking him with River Plate, saying there had been no contact with the club.
Messi ends his Argentina career as the national team’s all-time leading scorer, with 125 goals; he also made 207 appearances for the side.
Argentina will leave Lionel Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt vacant for upcoming friendlies, delaying any decision on a successor until after his farewell match on October 6 World Soccer Talk. Coach Lionel Scaloni said there is no rush to fill the jersey, as the team focuses on building its next cycle without the world's greatest player.
Messi ends his Argentina career as the nation's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals across 207 appearances Citi Sports. Young playmakers Nicolás Paz and Franco Mastantuono are emerging as possible candidates to eventually wear the number, though Scaloni is keeping the door open for other options.
Argentina will use upcoming friendlies to test new player combinations without Messi. Scaloni is pairing strikers Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez while giving Paz a creative role Bein Sports. The coach insists Argentina's core style remains unchanged: "our core style still revolves around controlling the ball."
Scaloni dismissed reports linking him with a move to River Plate, saying the club never contacted him Sports Mole. He is reportedly nearing a contract extension with Argentina's football association as the team enters a new era.
Cristian "Cuti" Romero is set to take over as Argentina's captain, becoming the central leader in the team's next cycle Real GM. His appointment signals Scaloni's commitment to building a new core around established defenders and emerging attacking talents.
Nicolás Paz and Franco Mastantuono represent Argentina's future in midfield. Both players are receiving increased opportunities during friendlies as Scaloni evaluates his options Bein Sports. The coach is deliberately avoiding hasty decisions, wanting to see how the younger generation performs without Messi's presence first.
Publishers
16
Articles
21
Reach
37