According to a report by Daily Post on Friday November 6, 2026, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has made a decision regarding Lionel Messi's iconic number 10 shirt following the legendary forward's international retirement.

Scaloni has reportedly decided to leave the famous jersey vacant during Argentina's upcoming international friendlies in November as a mark of respect for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Argentina are scheduled to face Uruguay on November 13 at La Bombonera before taking on Costa Rica on November 17 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba.

According to reports, no player will be allowed to wear Messi's number 10 shirt during the two fixtures.

The decision reflects the enormous influence Messi has had on Argentine football after wearing the iconic number for nearly two decades.

The 38-year-old established himself as one of the greatest players in the country's history, leading Argentina to major honours, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa America titles.

Scaloni is reportedly unwilling to rush the process of choosing a permanent successor to the former Barcelona captain.

Although the Argentina coach has indicated that another player will eventually inherit the famous shirt, he wants to give the team time before making such an important decision.

The decision is also possible because FIFA regulations for international friendlies do not require national teams to assign consecutive shirt numbers from one to 11.

However, Argentina will eventually have to allocate the number 10 shirt when they return to official competitive fixtures, with the next South American World Cup qualifiers expected to bring the matter into focus in 2027.

Several players have already emerged as potential candidates to inherit Messi's famous jersey.

Como midfielder Nico Paz is reportedly among the leading contenders after impressing for the national team in recent international friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez are also being considered, while Real Madrid youngster Franco Mastantuono is another possible option.

Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has also entered the conversation after Argentina captain Cristian Romero reportedly backed him to take over the shirt.

However, Scaloni's decision means none of those players will have the opportunity to wear the iconic number during the November friendlies.

The Argentina coach's cautious approach underlines the special place Messi occupies in the country's football history.

Before Messi, the number 10 shirt was famously associated with Diego Maradona, who remains another legendary figure in Argentine football.