According to Daily Post Nigeria on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Argentina have decided to keep their iconic No. 10 shirt vacant during the upcoming international friendly matches following Lionel Messi's retirement from international football.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff have reportedly agreed that no player will wear the famous shirt during the November international window, reflecting the enormous respect the country continues to have for its former captain.

The decision comes as Argentina prepare for their scheduled friendly encounter against Uruguay during the international break.

Although regulations governing friendly matches do not strictly require national teams to assign squad numbers consecutively from 1 to 11, Argentina have chosen not to allocate the prestigious No. 10 shirt to another player.

The decision is widely seen as a tribute to Messi's extraordinary contribution to Argentine football and his legacy as one of the greatest players in the country's history.

Scaloni and his technical team have reportedly agreed to leave the shirt unused until further notice, rather than immediately handing it to another member of the national team.

Messi's retirement, which was announced during the October international break, has left a significant void in the Argentine setup, considering his influence, leadership and achievements with the national side.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward played a historic role in Argentina's success, most notably leading the country to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

His achievements with the national team have made the No. 10 shirt particularly symbolic, with supporters associating the number with his exceptional performances and leadership over the years.

By keeping the shirt vacant, Argentina appear determined to preserve the significance of Messi's legacy rather than rushing to identify a successor.

The decision also highlights the difficulty of replacing a player whose influence on Argentine football extends beyond his performances on the pitch.

For now, Argentina's famous No. 10 shirt will remain without an occupant as the national team prepares for its upcoming international commitments.