Mansion Sports – The Argentine Football Association has announced a meaningful tribute to Lionel Messi by leaving the iconic No. 10 shirt vacant during their upcoming international fixtures.

The legendary forward is scheduled to wear the famous jersey for the final time in a specially prepared farewell match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental next October.

The move serves as a tribute to Messi's extraordinary journey with the Argentina national team while also marking the end of an era that has lasted for many years.

Iconic Number Left Vacant

In a move that highlights Lionel Messi's immense influence on Argentine football, Argentina will leave the iconic No. 10 shirt vacant during the September and October international windows as the legend prepares to make his farewell appearance for the national team.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the decision, saying: "Until Leo Messi's match, no one will wear the No. 10."

As a result, Argentina's squad will not have a No. 10 for their upcoming friendly matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.

The AFA will only consider who will inherit the iconic number after Messi officially ends his international career.

The decision was made to honor the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner after he announced at the end of August 2026 that he would step away from international duty following a historic career that culminated in leading his country to dominate world football.

Argentina Prepare to Begin a New Era Without No. 10

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news, stating that the vacant No. 10 will lead Argentina into a "new era starting in 2027."

Although FIFA regulations usually require shirt numbers to be assigned consecutively in major tournaments, more flexible rules for friendly matches allow the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to carry out the tribute.

This is in line with comments previously made by AFA president Claudio Tapia. In 2024, Tapia suggested that the No. 10 shirt should be retired to honor Messi after the player officially ended his career with the national team.

As a result, the upcoming friendly matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso will see Argentina's squad list skip the number ten entirely.

Golden Farewell at the Monumental

The final match for the player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time is scheduled to take place on October 6, 2026, when Argentina face Benin at River Plate's iconic Estadio Monumental.

The match will be Messi's 208th and final appearance for the national team, giving the people of Buenos Aires the opportunity to watch their hero in action for the final time.

This final appearance will be the centerpiece of a carefully planned transition period.

Although Argentina have several other matches as part of their preparations, including a game against Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30 and a home fixture against Burkina Faso on October 3, Messi will not feature in those matches.

The AFA has decided to preserve his fitness for the match against Benin, ensuring that all attention remains focused on his final contribution to the team.

A Change in Leadership Roles

As the football world prepares to witness Messi's emotional farewell, coach Scaloni has moved quickly to ensure a smooth leadership transition within the squad.

With the captaincy soon set to become vacant, the coaching staff have identified a core group of players who will lead the team toward the 2030 World Cup cycle.

Scaloni has been open about the hierarchy within the dressing room and why the 28-year-old center-back has emerged as the natural choice for the role.

The coach officially confirmed that Cuti Romero will inherit the captain's armband, marking a major change in Argentina's leadership.

Messi's farewell will not only mark the end of a player's journey with the national team, but also the beginning of a new generation for Argentina.

The No. 10 being temporarily left vacant and the captaincy being handed over to Cuti Romero symbolize that a new era is gradually being prepared.