Argentina exploit FIFA loophole to avoid handing over Lionel Messi's No.10 shirt

Argentina are exploiting a FIFA loophole to avoid immediately handing over Lionel Messi's No.10 shirt after the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's retirement from international duty.

Messi, Argentina's record goalscorer and greatest ever player, had an emotional farewell in the last international break - receiving his send-off at Estadio Monumental after scoring for the 126th time against Benin.

A special one-off shirt was created to honour Messi, who gave a speech on the pitch afterwards.

The first game of the post-game era takes place on Friday 13 November, with Argentina taking on Uruguay before hosting Costa Rica on Tuesday 17 November.

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With the Inter Miami star no longer part of the La Albiceleste set-up, changes have had to be made.

FIFA rule prevents Argentina from retiring Lionel Messi shirt

Cristian Romero has been appointed the new captain of the Argentina national team but there has been a hesitancy to hand over the No.10 shirt Messi has worn for the majority of his career.

FIFA rules do not allow Messi's shirt to be retired as regulations state that numbers between 1 and 26 need to be filled for for international tournament fixtures.

Argentina have been unsuccessful in their attempt to commemorate Messi but they aren't going to be passing on the shirt just yet.

Tyc Sports say that no player will be allocated the number in the upcoming friendlies. That's because the same rules are not enforced for non-competitive games, meaning Argentina can delay the use of No,10 shirt in the meantime.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) tried to retire the shirt back in 2002 following the international retirement of Diego Maradona but their request was knocked back.

The two leading contenders to take on Lionel Messi's No.10 shirt

Previously, manager Lionel Scaloni spoke about the subject and said: "The idea is for someone to eventually take it on, given how special it is to wear. We just haven't decided who yet."

Scaloni did not mention any potential candidates but ESPN Argentina journalist Federico Bueno claimed that Nico Paz is well-positioned to be the heir to the throne.

He claimed "it has been decided internally" for Paz to be the new No.10 if Scaloni commits to a new contract extension.

READ MORE: Why Argentina cannot retire Lionel Messi's shirt number as rarely-used FIFA rule explained

Paz has worn the No.10 with distinction at Como, with the former Real Madrid playmaker scoring six and assisting eight goals in all competitions.

However, Romero, Argentina's new skipper, has a different name in mind. He has put forward the case of his club and international colleague Julian Alvarez, believing his humble, familly-led approach to life away from the pitch puts him well in contention.

“Me, I would give it to Julián [Alvarez],” Romero said, speaking to Gastón Edul.

“I don’t know, I see him with this humble profile, a family man, a good guy, with all the qualities that he has.

“We have many important players in the national team. I say Julian because he has all the necessary qualities to wear the 10.”