According to a report by Daily Post on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Argentina have decided to keep Lionel Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt unused during their November international friendlies following the forward's retirement from international football.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni and his technical team have reportedly agreed that no player will wear the famous shirt during the upcoming international break, as the former world champions prepare to face Uruguay.

According to report, the decision reflects the respect and admiration the Argentine national team continues to have for Messi, who wore the No. 10 shirt for several years and captained the country to major international successes.

Although friendly match regulations do not require squad numbers to follow the conventional arrangement from one to 11, Argentina have chosen to leave the number vacant rather than assign it to another player.

The decision means the iconic shirt will remain unused until further notice, with Scaloni and his coaching staff reportedly unwilling to hand it to another member of the squad following the departure of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward.

Messi retired from international football during the October international break, bringing an end to his career with Argentina's senior national team.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner enjoyed a remarkable international career, leading Argentina to victory at the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

His achievements also include winning the 2024 Copa America, making him one of the most successful players in the history of Argentine football.

Messi's influence on the national team has made the No. 10 shirt one of the most recognisable symbols of Argentine football.

Meanwhile, Argentina's decision to keep the number vacant during the November fixtures signals the coaching staff's intention to preserve the shirt's association with the country's former captain.

The team will face Uruguay as part of their preparations during the international window, with the No. 10 shirt expected to remain unassigned until further notice.