FIFA blocks Argentina from retiring Lionel Messi's No.10 shirt

FIFA has rejected the Argentine Football Association's plan to permanently retire Lionel Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt following his international retirement, officials confirmed on Friday.

Regulatory barrier at international level

The move by Argentina was intended as a lasting tribute to Messi after a career that spanned more than two decades with the national team. Messi announced his international retirement on 31 August and will play a farewell friendly for Argentina against Benin on 6 October at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Messi wore the No. 10 in 207 appearances for his country, scoring 125 goals and leading Argentina to three World Cup finals, including the 2026 tournament. AFA had planned to withdraw the number from future use as a symbol of honour for the forward.

However, FIFA regulations require that squads at international final tournaments assign shirt numbers from 1 to 26. That rule effectively prevents national teams from permanently retiring any number within that range for official competitions.

Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni has not yet announced which player will inherit the No. 10 shirt for upcoming matches.

Photo: press material from the event