Argentina take decision on handing out Messi’s No.10 shirt

Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt will remain unused during another international break following Lionel Messi‘s retirement from international football.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has decided that no player will wear the famous number during the national team’s November friendly matches.

The former world champions are scheduled to face Uruguay during the international window, but the No. 10 shirt will not be assigned to any member of the squad.

Although friendly match regulations do not strictly require squad numbers to run from 1 to 11, Argentina’s decision to leave the shirt vacant reflects the respect and admiration the team has for its former captain.

Scaloni and his coaching staff have agreed to keep the number unused until further notice, rather than immediately handing it to another player.

The decision highlights the significance of the shirt, which Messi wore throughout his time as Argentina’s leading player and captain.

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Messi announced his retirement during the October international break, bringing an end to his international career with the national team.