According to a report by Daily Post on Thursday November 5, 2026, Argentina have decided against handing Lionel Messi's famous No. 10 shirt to another player following the legendary forward's retirement from international football.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has chosen to leave the iconic shirt number vacant during the country's November international friendlies, as a mark of respect for the former captain.

According to Daily Post, Scaloni and his coaching staff have agreed that no player will wear the number during the upcoming international window.

Argentina are scheduled to face Uruguay during the November break, but the team will take to the pitch without anyone wearing the famous No. 10 shirt.

Although friendly match regulations do not require teams to allocate shirt numbers strictly from one to 11, the decision to leave Messi's number unused is considered a symbolic gesture.

The No. 10 shirt has become closely associated with Messi, who spent many years representing Argentina and established himself as one of the greatest players in the country's football history.

The decision also reflects the enormous respect he continues to command within the national team following his retirement.

Messi retired from international football during the October international break, bringing an extraordinary chapter of his career with Argentina to an end.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star enjoyed remarkable success with his country, eventually leading them to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar.

He also helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021 and successfully defend the trophy in 2024.

After years of disappointment in major international finals, Messi finally achieved his dream of lifting the World Cup, cementing his place among Argentina's greatest sporting legends.

His achievements have made the No. 10 shirt one of the most recognisable numbers in international football.

Meanwhile, Scaloni's decision means that none of the players currently in the Argentina squad will immediately inherit the shirt following Messi's departure.

The coaching staff have reportedly agreed to keep the number unused until further notice rather than rush to give it to another player.

It remains unclear whether Argentina will eventually hand the shirt to a new generation of players or continue leaving it vacant in recognition of Messi's contribution.

For now, the decision provides another indication of the legendary status Messi enjoys in his country.

Having captained Argentina to their long-awaited World Cup triumph and two consecutive Copa América titles, the forward leaves behind a legacy that will be difficult for any future player to match.

Argentina's decision to leave his famous No. 10 shirt unused during the November friendlies therefore serves as a tribute to one of the greatest footballers ever to represent the national team.