Lionel Messi may be approaching the end of his international career, but the question of who will inherit Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt is already generating discussion. The number has become inseparable from Messi’s identity, with the forward having worn it throughout much of his illustrious career for the national side.
As Argentina prepare for a future without their long-standing captain and talisman, attention has naturally turned to the player who could eventually carry the famous number. Former Argentina international footballer and politician Carlos Mac Allister has suggested that the shirt should not be handed permanently to another player immediately after Messi’s departure.
Speaking to ESPN, Mac Allister said, “I wouldn’t give the 10 to anyone.” Instead, he proposed a period of observation before Argentina make a final decision. His idea is to give several players the opportunity to wear the number at different stages and assess how they perform and adapt to the responsibilities associated with it.
Five players have emerged as potential candidates under his proposal: Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister and Nico Paz.
Each represents a different part of Argentina’s current and emerging generation. Fernandez has established himself as an important midfield presence, while Alvarez has become a significant attacking option. Martinez has also played a prominent role in Argentina’s forward line, having been part of the national team’s plans for several years.
Alexis Mac Allister, meanwhile, has become an influential midfielder for Argentina and is capable of contributing both in possession and in attacking situations. Nico Paz represents a younger generation and has attracted attention as one of the emerging Argentine players who could have a role in the national team’s future.
The discussion surrounding the No. 10 shirt is separate from the question of Argentina’s next captain. According to head coach Lionel Scaloni, Cristian Romero is set to take over the captaincy after Messi. Romero has been part of the leadership order behind Messi and Nicolas Otamendi and is therefore positioned to assume a greater leadership role when the transition takes place.
That means Argentina’s leadership succession has already become clearer, while the future of the iconic No. 10 shirt remains unresolved. Messi’s association with the number has made the decision particularly significant, and the next player to wear it will inevitably face expectations created by one of the most recognisable figures in Argentine football.
For now, there is no confirmed permanent successor. Mac Allister’s proposal instead points towards a gradual process in which several players could be assessed before Argentina settle on the player who will eventually carry the famous No. 10 shirt into the post-Messi era.
