Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published • loading... • Updated

Argentina's Post-Messi Era Begins Against Bolivia, Coach Discusses Future of No. 10 Jersey

Coach Lionel Scaloni said Argentina will leave Messi’s No. 10 unused until his farewell match while testing a new attack and lineup changes.

  • Argentina will leave the No. 10 jersey unassigned for Wednesday's friendly against Bolivia, head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Tuesday. The number will remain vacant until Lionel Messi's farewell match on October 6.
  • Messi announced his international retirement in late August, concluding his career as Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals across 207 appearances. The 39-year-old legend previously lifted the 2022 World Cup trophy.
  • Facing the challenge of replacing Messi, Scaloni plans to experiment with new tactical combinations against Bolivia at Kempes Stadium. Nicolàs Paz, currently playing for Italy's Como, will assume playmaking duties as the squad adjusts its approach.
  • Scaloni extended his contract through the 2030 World Cup following negotiations with Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia. The coach expressed excitement about the future, citing shared enthusiasm as the key to reaching agreement.
  • Messi's final international appearance is scheduled for October 6 against Benin in Buenos Aires. Scaloni noted the team has not yet decided who will eventually inherit the iconic No. 10 jersey.
Insights by Ground AI

14 Articles

NewsdayNewsday
+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
Center

Argentina's post-Messi era begins against Bolivia, coach discusses future of No. 10 jersey

Argentina is facing its first test of the post-Lionel Messi era by hosting Bolivia in a friendly on Wednesday.

·Melville, United States
Read Full Article

The T-shirt 10 will remain without owner until the friendly farewell of the Argentine captain, scheduled for October 6th at the Monumental. The post Scaloni revealed what they will do with the 10th of the Argentina Selection after Messi appeared first on El Intranssigente: Latest news from Argentina and the world in real time.

The shirt with number 10 of Argentina will continue to have a sole owner as long as Leo Messi continues to be linked to the selection. Lionel Scaloni confirmed that the dorsal will be reserved for the captain until the time comes for his final farewell from the Albiceleste. “Until it is Leo’s match we will not give the 10 to anyone. From there we will see. The idea is to keep it one, with all the beauty that it entails,” explained the Argentine …

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Sportsnet broke the news in Canada on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal