The Argentina FA President has disclosed that Argentina is on the verge of retiring the number 10 jersey at the national team in honour of one of their greatest, Lionel Messi, following his retirement at the national level.
Messi, 36, guided Argentina to their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2022 in Qatar after a 35 years drought. Messi was stirring in the tournament – ending the World Cup as the best player.
Arguably, considered as the greatest of all time, ahead of his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele and Maradona, Messi has won every possible title with the Argentine national team.
Since making his debut in 2005, the former Barcelona player has scored 106 goals in his 180 caps, cementing his status as an all-time Argentinian legend alongside the great Diego Maradona.
“This number 10 will be retired for life in his honour. It’s the least we can do for him.
“When Messi retires from the national team, we will not allow anyone else to wear the number 10 after him,” AFA President, Claudio Tapia said.
Aside from his voyage with the national team, Messi is also regarded as one of the best players at the club level, last year he beat the Manchester City forward to win his eight Ballon D’or title, becoming the first player in history to reach that feat.
Messi is notably known for his goal scoring prowess with Barcelona, where he managed 672 goals and 303 assists since making his debut in 2005. He joined PSG in 2021 and left for the USA after a season with the French giant.
