The Argentine Football Association president, Claudio Tapia said he intends to ensure that no player ever wears the No. 10 shirt again whenever Lionel Messi retires from the Argentina national team.
"When Messi retires from the national team, we will not allow anyone else to wear the number 10 after him," Tapia said at a press conference over the weekend. "This number 10 will be retired for life in his honor. It's the least we can do for him."
Although retiring jersey numbers at the club level is fairly normal, it's less common in the international game -- and for good reason. FIFA regulations require players to wear all numbers from one to 23 during official competitions. In other words, if Argentina is committed to retiring the No. 10, then it would have to play every tournament after Messi's retirement missing one player on the roster.
There's also the question of whether the most iconic jersey number in the game really belongs to any single player -- even one as great as Messi. Diego Maradona made the No. 10 shirt iconic with Argentina, and subsequent playmakers like Juan Román Riquelme followed in his footsteps until Messi made the number his own. If post-Maradona players could aspire to become Argentina's No. 10, why couldn't post-Messi players do the same?
Argentina actually attempted to retire the No. 10 shirt in Maradona's honor more than 20 years ago, a request that was rejected by FIFA. It's hard to imagine this time around will be any different.
Messi cemented his status as an Argentine legend in 2022, winning the World Cup to go along with the Copa América title he won the previous year. Though he'll turn 37 this year, Messi is still very much central to the Argentina national team's plans at the current moment.
Last month, the Inter Miami star said he was taking his national team career day by day and though he's not closing the door on another World Cup in 2026, he is only focused on the 2024 Copa América in the United States.
After previously claiming the 2022 World Cup would be his last, though, Messi is now pushing for 2026 and a sixth World Cup appearance.
"I'm going to arrive at an age that I normally wouldn't be able to play in the World Cup. I said that I don't think I'm going to be there," he told Star+. "It seemed that after the World Cup I was retiring and quite the opposite -- now I want to be there more than ever."
Despite his initial plans to retire after the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi's hunger for the game and his desire to represent Argentina has compelled him to reconsider. As he sets his sights on the 2026 World Cup, Messi remains determined to continue his international career and add to his illustrious career achievements.
At 37, many would assume that Messi's best years are behind him. However, his recent performances on the international stage and his ongoing brilliance at the club level with Inter Miami demonstrate that age is merely a number for this footballing maestro. His dedication to maintaining peak physical fitness coupled with his unparalleled skill and vision make him an invaluable asset to the Argentina national team.
Messi's decision to prioritize the 2024 Copa América in the United States highlights his unwavering focus and determination to succeed. This renowned tournament presents an opportunity for him to showcase his mastery on an international stage once again. While the retirement of his No. 10 jersey looms in the future, Messi has made it abundantly clear that he intends to leave an indelible mark before he hangs up his boots.
The prospect of retiring the No. 10 shirt for the Albiceleste remains a contentious issue. While the Argentine Football Association president, Claudio Tapia, wishes to honor Messi's immense contributions by permanently retiring the iconic number, FIFA regulations pose a significant obstacle. The governing body's mandate necessitates the utilization of numbers one through 23 during official competitions, making it difficult for Argentina to fulfill Tapia's vision.
Furthermore, the idea of a single player monopolizing the No. 10 jersey throughout Argentina's footballing history raises valid questions. Diego Maradona, a legend in his own right, solidified the jersey's significance and left an indelible imprint on it. Yet, subsequent players like Juan Román Riquelme aspired to fill those revered boots, demonstrating that the No. 10 shirt can inspire greatness in any talented individual.
Twenty years ago, Argentina's attempt to retire the No. 10 jersey in Maradona's honor was met with FIFA's rejection. It seems unlikely that the outcome will differ this time around. The jersey's legacy belongs to the nation, to the countless fans who have idolized the players who donned the No. 10, and to the future generations who dream of emulating their heroes.
As Messi continues to defy expectations and astound the world with his ability, his impact on Argentine football and the No. 10 shirt cannot be overstated. Whether or not the jersey is retired, Messi's legacy will endure, etching his name alongside Maradona's in the annals of football history. The exploits of future generations will undoubtedly ignite further discussions about who is deserving of the cherished No. 10 for Argentina.
For now, Messi marches forward, his eyes firmly fixed on future triumphs, hoping to grace the world stage once more and bring glory to his beloved nation. With each passing game, he fuels the hopes and aspirations of Argentine football fans and reminds the world that the No. 10 jersey is a symbol of excellence, no matter who wears it.