)
AFA have decided they will honour Lionel Messi's legacy with the Albiceleste by retiring the iconic number 10 jersey.
The Argentine Football Federation (AFA) has decided to retire the number 10 jersey when the current captain and occupant of the iconic number, Lionel Messi, calls time on his time with the Albiceleste, years after attempting to do the same for Diego Maradona.
Maradona donned the number 10 jersey as he led Argentina to their second Mundial triumph at the 1986 edition of the tournament. He was undoubtedly the greatest Argentine footballer ever before the advent of Messi, and following his retirement, the AFA attempted to retire the number.
)
20:44 - 28.12.2023
The next Lionel Messi: Man City boss Pep Guardiola plotting total domination with pursuit of 17-year-old star
Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on acquiring an Argentine teenage sensation who has been dubbed the new Lionel Messi.
)
10:00 - 15.09.2024
Cristiano Ronaldo reveals the only 2 footballers on his level in GOAT debate
Portugal captain and Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo revealed the only players he believes should be alongside him in the GOAT debate.
However, they had to put the kit number back in use during the 2002 World Cup due to a FIFA ruling that mandated teams to occupy jersey numbers 1-27 for international tournaments.
AFA to retire number 10 after Messi
Lionel Messi has replicated Maradona’s achievements with the number 10 jersey for Argentina, as he led the Albiceleste to their third World Cup title.
Messi did so in spectacular fashion, picking up the Player of the Tournament Award as well as being only one goal shy of the Golden Boot for the tournament.
Hence, the president of the AFA, Claudio Chuqui Tapia, has announced that when Messi retires, the number 10 jersey will follow suit.
)
)
"When Messi retires from the national team, we will not allow anyone else to wear the number 10 after him,” he said, per Marca. This number '10' will be retired for life in his honour. It's the least we can do for him."
Messi is well into the twilight of his career, but he is expected to lead the Albiceleste into next year's Copa America for a chance to defend the title they won at the Maracana in 2021.
Related content
)
08:33 - 15.12.2023
FIFA’s strange rule means Messi does not deserve Men’s Player of the Year nomination
The idea of Lionel Messi winning the 2023 FIFA The Best Men's Player of the Year award has raised eyebrows among football fans. But did the Argentine deserve to be nominated at all?
)
15:39 - 14.12.2023
Messi Makes History: Argentina star's World Cup jerseys set to beat Maradona to Auction throne
Lionel Messi's iconic World Cup final shirt is set to make auction history with an unprecedented estimated sale price.
)
10:41 - 07.12.2023
Lionel Messi, Beware! Brazil legend Roberto Carlos issues strong warning to Argentina captain
Legendary Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos has warned Lionel Messi and Argentina ahead of next year's Copa America.
)
22:52 - 01.12.2023
Ballon d'Or Showdown: Messi's revelation — Why he dribbled Lewandowski in World Cup anger at Qatar 2022
Lionel Messi narrates why he dribbled Robert Lewandowski in anger at the Qatar 2022 World Cup clash between Argentina and Poland.
)
19:08 - 01.12.2023
That is when he changed — Angel Di Maria reveals incident that transformed Lionel Messi
Argentine World Cup winner Angel Di Maria has revealed a series of incidents that changed Lionel Messi's behaviour.
12:05 - 01.12.2023
Messi's 2022 World Cup jerseys to sell for over ₦6 billion in special auction
Jerseys worn by Lionel Messi at the 2022 FIFA World Cup have gone on auction until mid-December and will cost an arm and a leg
)
13:00 - 30.11.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars remain stagnant in latest FIFA world rankings
Harambee Stars remain 110th in the latest FIFA World rankings after losing to Gabon and beating Seychelles in their opening two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games.
)
08:55 - 30.11.2023
'You must forget about retirement' - Argentina boss tells Lionel Messi
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has advised Lionel Messi to continue playing as long as he can.
)
08:01 - 29.11.2023
Rio Ferdinand claims Messi UNFOLLOWED Garnacho on Instagram after calling Ronaldo GOAT
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Lionel Messi unfollowed Alejandro Garnacho on Instagram.
)
23:56 - 26.11.2023
European giants fighting to sign 'Little Devil' tearing up U-17 World Cup
The 17-year old has been likened to Argentine legend Lionel Messi after impressive performances at the U-17 World Cup
)
23:33 - 24.11.2023
'I wanted to die' — Uruguay youngster regrets disrespecting Messi and Argentina
After a clash with Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte has expressed regret over his actions and offered an apology to the injured party
)
23:22 - 24.11.2023
Lionel Messi attacked on Instagram by Rodrygo's father after clash with Real Madrid star
Rodrygo and Messi were involved in a heated argument during Argentina's World Cup qualifying win against Brazil
)
16:09 - 16.12.2023
FOOTBALL Lionel Messi’s six 2022 World Cup shirts sell for over Ksh1 billion!
Six jerseys worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup in Qatar have been auctioned off for over Ksh1 billion but still fell short of Diego Maradona’s record.
)
02:24 - 24.11.2023
We will not stop! - Real Madrid's Rodrygo fires back at racists following Brazil vs Argentina game
Brazil international Rodrygo puts out a statement after suffering racism following the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier clash between Brazil and Argentina.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)