Scaloni Reveals Argentina's Plan for Messi's Vacant Number 10 Shirt

A new era begins for the Argentina national team following the retirement of Lionel Messi, as head coach Lionel Scaloni addressed the future of the iconic number 10 shirt ahead of the friendly match against Uruguay. Scaloni made it clear that no player will wear the prestigious jersey for the upcoming fixture. "For this match, we will not give it to anyone. We have no thoughts on who to award it to until it becomes mandatory," the coach stated during the press conference, adding that he is in no rush to crown a successor.

Scaloni emphasized that when a decision is finally reached regarding the legendary number, he expects the choice to be a long-term commitment. "The day we decide to give it to someone, we hope it will be for good and that we won't hand the number 10 to different players. That is more or less the mindset," the coach explained, noting the coaching staff has several matches to evaluate options.

Meanwhile, one of the prominent names mentioned as a potential future candidate is Nico Paz, the 22-year-old Como midfielder regarded as one of Argentine football's brightest prospects. Paz is expected to feature prominently against Uruguay, operating behind Julián Álvarez to orchestrate the team's attacks. Scaloni praised the younger generation, stating, "It should be a natural progression for young players to join the national team. They must seize the opportunity and replicate their club form."

The match against Uruguay at La Bombonera marks the dawn of a new chapter for the Albiceleste, forced to adapt to life without the talisman who defined the team for years. Scaloni acknowledged that replacing Messi requires tactical adjustments rather than a direct replication of his role. "There is no way to play without Messi in the exact same way, but now we will try to play similarly while utilizing different alternatives," he noted, as the number 10 shirt remains temporarily vacant.