- AFA stated that Lionel Messi would no longer be able to wear the renowned No. 10 shirt.
- AFA President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia announced that the number “10” will be retired for life in his honor.
- It has been worn by notable players like Juan Román Riquelme and Ricardo Bochini.
After the national team’s triumph in the FIFA World Cup 2022, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) stated that Lionel Messi would no longer be able to wear the renowned No. 10 shirt.
As the least they can do for him, AFA President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia announced that the number “10” will be retired for life in his honor.
No. 10 jersey
The No. 10 jersey, a symbol of the best football players and leaders, is particularly renowned in Argentina. It has been worn by notable players like Juan Román Riquelme and Ricardo Bochini.
Messi, who has played 180 times and scored 106 goals for Argentina, has won major titles like Copa America in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022, joining Maradona and Pele in the league.
FIFA regulations forbade the AFA from retiring Maradona’s No. 10 shirt at the 2002 World Cup since the numbers 1 through 23 were in effect. In a game against Peru, Ariel Ortega donned the No. 10 jersey; subsequently, as Messi developed into a fantastic player, he was given the same jersey.
