Former PSG player Lionel Messi is preparing for his final hours wearing Argentina’s number 10 shirt. Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that nobody will wear the iconic jersey before the Argentine legend’s final appearance for the Albiceleste, scheduled for October 6, 2026 against Benin. After that match, a new number 10 will be chosen.
A huge chapter is about to close for Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old Argentine, who played for PSG between 2021 and 2023, is nearing the end of his incredible international career. After announcing that he would retire from international football following the 2026 World Cup, he still has one final appearance to make for his country.
Messi Keeps Argentina’s Number 10 Until His Farewell
Until then, there is no question of anyone else taking his number 10. Lionel Scaloni confirmed that the shirt will remain reserved for the former PSG star until his farewell. “Until Leo’s match, we will not give the number 10 to anyone. After that match, we will see who we give it to,” the Argentina coach explained.
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Lionel Messi is set to play his final match for Argentina on Monday, October 6, 2026 against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. A special evening is being planned to mark the farewell of the player who notably led the Albiceleste to the 2022 World Cup title. Before then, Argentina are due to face Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3, but Messi is not expected to feature in either match. His number 10 will therefore remain vacant before appearing on his back one final time against Benin.
The big question will then be who succeeds him. Who will inherit Lionel Messi’s number 10? Scaloni is not yet ready to name a player. Argentina intend to take their time before permanently handing this historic shirt number to a new player.
