Argentina Football Association set to retire number 10 jersey after Lionel Messi’s exit from international Football

The Argentina Football Association (AFA) plans to retire the number 10 jersey as an homage to Lionel Messi upon his retirement from international football. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, played a crucial role in Argentina’s third World Cup title in 2022. In the final against France, Argentina emerged victorious in a penalty shootout. The legendary footballer Messi scored twice and even successfully converted his attempt in the shootout.

An eight-time Ballon D’or is often regarded as the greatest player the game has ever seen. To date, Messi has scored 106 goals in his 180 appearances for Argentina and played a pivotal role in La Albiceleste’s Copa América victory in 2021. Regarding the Argentina Football Association (AFA), President Claudio Tapia stressed that no player would be allowed to wear the number 10 jersey after Messi’s retirement. The AFA had previously attempted to retire the No. 10 as a tribute to Maradona, but FIFA rejected the request, according to Reuters.

“When Messi retires from the national team, we will not allow anyone else to wear the number 10 after him. This number 10 will be retired for life in his honour. It’s the least we can do for him,” Claudio Tapia said.

Maybe we do well in the Copa America: Lionel Messi

In a recent statement, the legendary striker shared details about his retirement considerations from football. The Argentina captain shed light on the possibility of competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He acknowledged that, given his age, it’s quite probable he won’t participate. However, Messi expressed a wait-and-see approach. He suggested that if the team performs well in the Copa America, there’s a chance he might continue.

“I am not thinking about the World Cup and I am not saying 100 per cent that I will not be there because anything can happen. Given my age, the most normal thing is that I will not be there. Then we will see to what extent. Maybe we do well in the Copa America and we continue. Maybe not. Being realistic is difficult,” he said in an interview earlier this month.