On 28 March 2009, Argentina secured a resounding 4-0 victory against Venezuela. However, that match is forever etched in football history for a far more momentous reason: it marked the very first time Lionel Messi donned the legendary sky-blue and white number 10 jersey for his country.
Seventeen years have flown by since that evening, and over time, the shirt has become virtually synonymous with Messi himself. He has worn it across 172 international appearances, eclipsing legendary predecessors such as Diego Maradona, Juan Román Riquelme, Ariel Ortega, and Mario Kempes in terms of longevity, statistical dominance, and overall impact. In Argentine football, the number 10 is far more than a mere digit. It represents ultimate creativity, leadership, and the immense expectations of millions of supporters. With Messi’s inevitable retirement looming or already arriving, the question of who will shoulder this monumental responsibility has naturally sparked intense global speculation.
During Messi’s occasional absences over his long career, 17 different players have temporarily worn the iconic jersey. Sergio Agüero donned it a record seven times, while Ángel Correa wore it on five occasions. Interestingly, there were 28 matches where the jersey was left completely vacant, as if waiting for its rightful owner to return. Now, the era is shifting towards a permanent transition.
According to the Argentine sports daily El Gráfico, the search for a successor points directly toward players who have recently tasted wearing the famous shirt. Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister emerges as a leading candidate. Having worn the number 10 at club level, his tactical intelligence, composure, and ability to dictate the tempo make him a natural stylistic fit.
Another intriguing name is Franco Mastantuono, the prodigious young talent who last wore the number 10 in Messi’s presence. While his raw potential is undeniable, questions remain over whether his tender age and limited international exposure make it too early to carry such a heavy burden. Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández remains a vital cog in Lionel Scaloni’s tactical engine room, bringing unmatched authority to the central midfield.
Looking further ahead, 21-year-old Nicolás Paz—who wears the number 10 for Como—represents an exciting long-term investment, alongside Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez, whose clinical goalscoring and leadership credentials add serious weight to his candidacy. Ultimately, the monumental choice rests with manager Lionel Scaloni. Whoever inherits the shirt will face the daunting weight of history, relentless fan expectations, and inevitable comparisons. Because in modern Argentine football, the number 10 is no longer just a number; it is the enduring shadow of Lionel Messi.
A comprehensive statistical overview of legendary figures and potential successors associated with Argentina’s number 10 shirt is detailed below:
| Player Name | Current Club | Historical Context / Role | Succession Prospect |
| Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | 172 matches, longest and most successful tenure | The ultimate benchmark |
| Diego Maradona | Retired | Iconic World Cup winner and cultural symbol | Eternal footballing legend |
| Sergio Agüero | Retired | Wore the jersey a record seven times in absence | Historical deputy |
| Ángel Correa | Atlético Madrid | Wore the shirt on five separate occasions | Experienced squad option |
| Alexis Mac Allister | Liverpool | Wears number 10 at club level, creative midfielder | Strong tactical candidate |
| Franco Mastantuono | River Plate | Recently wore the shirt in national colours | Promising young prospect |
| Enzo Fernández | Chelsea | Core midfield engine under Scaloni | Tactical heavyweight option |
| Nicolás Paz | Como | Emerging young playmaker in European football | Long-term developmental prospect |
| Lautaro Martínez | Inter Milan | Prolific striker with club number 10 experience | Proven attacking alternative |
| Juan Román Riquelme | Retired | Classic playmaker and historical custodian | Traditional maestro |
