Argentina decide the player who will inherit Lionel Messi's No.10 with condition named

Lionel Messi might have been regarded as a little magician during his career but his retirement from international football will leave someone with a big shirt to fill.

Messi announced this week that his Argentina days are over, retiring as captain with a World Cup winner's medal to his name and 'nothing left to give' in sky blue and white.

After 207 caps in a legendary international football career, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner leaves behind a phenomenal legacy and a number 10 shirt that will weigh heavily on the next player to inherit it from Messi and Diego Maradona before him.

According to reports in Argentina, that player has already been identified – on one particular condition.

ESPN Argentina claims that the destiny of the iconic shirt number is tied to the future of head coach Lionel Scaloni, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022 and took them as far as the final in 2026.

The 48-year-old has been in charge since 2018 and is expected to negotiate terms on a new contract 'in the coming months'.

If the deal is done, Messi's number 10 shirt will reportedly be passed down to 21-year-old attacking midfielder Nico Paz.

Born in Spain but the son of a former Argentina international, Paz is a product of Real Madrid Castilla but joined Serie A side Como in 2024 after eight appearances with the Spanish capital giants' first team.

He is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young attacking talents in European football, a reputation he has earned on merit by flourishing under head coach Cesc Fabregas.

Paz, who has played 11 times for Argentina, has scored 19 goals in Italy in 77 appearances in all competitions. A return to the Bernabeu has been tipped in every transfer window since he left.

Lionel Messi's international football retirement statement

The creative young star is well suited to the role but there's no doubt that it comes with intense attention and high expectations.

After all, the man vacating the number 10 shirt is one of the greatest footballers the sport has ever known.

"It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come," read Messi's statement, which was penned just two days after Argentina were beaten by Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey.

"I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.

"I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here."