The Argentine National Team made a decision regarding Messi's number 10 jersey: who are the candidates to inherit it

The Argentine National Team will begin a new era without Lionel Messi, but there will still be no successor for his historic number 10 jersey. Ahead of the friendly match against Uruguay on Friday, November 13, at La Bombonera, Lionel Scaloni's coaching staff decided to leave the number unassigned.

This decision will also apply during the international window, which will include a second match against Costa Rica on Tuesday, November 17. The choice will be postponed until 2027, when the Albiceleste will return to compete in the South American Qualifiers and must determine who will wear the number that identified the captain for almost two decades.

Why no one will wear the number 10 against Uruguay

In friendly matches, it is not mandatory to assign numbers from one to eleven. This possibility allows Scaloni to temporarily preserve Messi's jersey, whose farewell from the National Team took place in October against Benin at the Monumental.

That night, the captain scored a goal in the 3-0 victory and received recognition from the fans. Now, the number 10 will remain stored while the coach evaluates the available alternatives.

The decision avoids immediately resolving a question loaded with symbolism, although there is still no official designation for next year's Qualifiers.

Nico Paz, the name gaining prominence

Nico Paz is among the main candidates due to his current performance at Como in Italy and his recent appearances with the Argentine jersey. On Wednesday, he starred in the historic 9-1 victory against Lens in the Champions League: he scored a goal and provided two assists.

The left midfielder also scored in friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin, and contributed an assist against the Bolivian team. His ability to create plays, assist, and reach the area fuels expectations about his growth within the national team.

The jersey number would be a recognition of his current form, but Scaloni has not yet communicated any decision regarding Messi's heir.

Valentín Barco's support for his teammate

One of the players who publicly expressed his preference was Valentín Barco, who shared training camps and rooms with Paz.

"I like everything about Nico's game. I really like how he plays. I hope he gets the 10, I would like that," he stated in an interview with Los Edul.

Barco explained that they both built a friendship during the World Cup and subsequent call-ups. His support expresses the recognition Paz received from a teammate, although it does not represent a decision from the coaching staff.

Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Mastantuono also appear as alternatives

The discussion is not limited to the Como player. Alexis Mac Allister has already worn the number 10 at Argentinos Juniors, Brighton, and Liverpool, although he has not yet worn it for the senior National Team.

Enzo Fernández is also among the possibilities due to his vision of the game and ability to participate in offensive buildup. Another name is Franco Mastantuono, who has a concrete precedent: he wore the number 10 for Argentina against Ecuador in Guayaquil during the September 2025 Qualifiers when Messi was absent.

None have been announced as the definitive successor.

A new era for the most emblematic jersey

The number 10 has been worn by decisive figures in Argentine history, including Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Therefore, its future goes beyond a simple matter of clothing.

The friendlies in November will serve to observe the team without its captain, while the number will remain vacant. The choice of the new owner will be left for the competitive calendar of 2027, when Scaloni must combine performance, tactical roles, and continuity within the squad.