Who will get Messi’s number 10 jersey in Argentina now?

March 28, 2009 Argentina celebrated four-goal against Venezuela. But that victory was overshadowed by another scene engraved in memory.

The familiar number on the back of the blue-and-white jersey-10. Lionel Messi wore Argentina’s number 10 jersey for the first time that day.

17 years have passed since then. During this time, the number 10 jersey has become a part of Messi’s body.

He has played in this jersey in 172 matches. Previously, Diego Maradona, Ariel Ortega, Juan Roman Riquelme, and Mario Kempes have glorified this jersey.

But in terms of numbers, time, and depth of influence, Messi has worn this jersey for the longest time.

In Argentina, number 10 means the lifeblood of the team. When that player puts the ball at his feet, the atmosphere in the stadium changes.

The fans’ hopes, love, sometimes anger and pride are all combined in this one number.

So this jersey carries not only the burden of playing on the field, but also of mental strength.

When Messi announced his retirement, the question naturally arose, who will wear the number 10 jersey this time?

There have been many times in Messi’s long career when he was not on the field. During that time, 17 players have worn this jersey. Sergio Aguero has worn it the most 7 times.

Angel Correa has worn it 5 times. Again, this jersey was empty in 28 matches. As if waiting, for its real owner.

Now that wait is different. This time someone new will have to be chosen.
The answer may not be far away, says the Argentine sports daily ‘El Gráfico’.

The heir will have to be found among those who have worn this jersey on the field in recent times.

The list is not short at all. Franco Mastantuono, Lautaro Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Paz, Thiago Almada, Giovani Lo Celso, Rodrigo Di Paul, Leandro Paredes, Nicolas Gonzalez. However, the reality is that not everyone has the same potential.

Franco Mastantuono last wore the number 10 jersey in the presence of Messi.

This young midfielder is talented, but it is difficult to think that this huge responsibility will fall on his shoulders so quickly. Rather, the name of more potential is Alexis Mac Allister.

He wore the number 10 jersey at Liverpool. His creativity on the field, his ability to read the game, all combine to create a profile that fits this jersey.

However, there may be surprises. Enzo Fernandez has not yet worn the number 10 jersey for Argentina.

But he is one of the most reliable in Scaloni’s midfield. The responsibility of developing the game lies with him. Therefore, many consider him a realistic option.

Another name that keeps coming up is Nicolas Paz. He is only 21 years old. But he has started to show flashes of talent. He wears the number 10 jersey for his club Como.

The number of matches for Argentina is still low. Yet in the eyes of many, he is a symbol of the future of the team.

We should not forget about Lautaro Martinez. He wears the number 10 jersey at Inter Milan, he is also the captain of the club.

He has the ability to score goals, he has leadership qualities. However, whether the number 10 jersey of Argentina will be worn by another forward is also a question.

Ultimately, the decision will be made by coach Lionel Scaloni. But whoever is chosen, he will not just get a jersey.

He will get the weight of history, a mountain of expectations, and an inevitable comparison.

Because, the number 10 of Argentina now means only one name, one shadow. Lionel Messi.