Argentina use a clever FIFA rule to keep Lionel Messi’s No.10 shirt with them
Argentina is finding a clever way around FIFA rules to hold off giving out Lionel Messi’s famous No.10 shirt after he retired from international soccer. Messi, the country’s top scorer and greatest player ever, had a touching goodbye during the last international break. He was honored with a special shirt and gave a speech after scoring his 126th goal against Benin at the Estadio Monumental.
The first matches without Messi will be on Friday, November 13, against Uruguay, followed by a home game versus Costa Rica on Tuesday, November 17. Since Messi, now with Inter Miami, has left the national team, some changes are happening. Cristian Romero is the new captain, but no one has taken over Messi’s No.10 shirt yet.
FIFA rules say jersey numbers 1 to 26 must be used in tournaments, so Messi’s No.10 can’t be retired. Argentina wanted to retire the shirt to honor him, but their request was denied. However, TyC Sports reports that for upcoming friendly matches, no one will wear No.10. Because these games aren’t official competitions, Argentina can wait before passing the shirt on.
This isn’t the first time Argentina tried to retire a player’s number; they tried back in 2002 for Diego Maradona, but that also didn’t happen. Coach Lionel Scaloni said they want someone special to eventually wear the No.10 but haven’t chosen who yet. According to ESPN Argentina reporter Federico Bueno, Nico Paz might be the new No.10 if Scaloni stays on as coach. Paz has done well at his club Como, scoring and assisting many goals.
But Romero, the new captain, thinks Julian Alvarez would be a great choice for the No.10. He likes Alvarez’s humble attitude and family values, saying he has everything it takes to wear the shirt. “We have many important players, but I’d give it to Julian because of who he is both on and off the field,” Romero said.