Nico Paz has reportedly been identified as Lionel Messi’s successor for Argentina’s No.10 shirt after Messi’s international retirement

Nico Paz, the 22-year-old Como midfielder, has reportedly been identified as the player who could inherit Lionel Messi’s iconic No.10 shirt for Argentina following Messi’s retirement from international football.

Also read: Portugal Confirm Leao as New No. 7 After Ronaldo Camp Exit

The report comes from Argentine journalist and pundit Federico Bueno, who said Argentina has internally settled on Paz as the prospective successor, subject to Lionel Scaloni continuing as national-team coach.

“Should Scaloni renew his contract as Argentina manager, then Nico Paz will become the new number 10. This determination has been made internally,” Bueno said.

The report comes as Argentina prepares for an emotional farewell to Messi, who announced his international retirement on August 31 after an extraordinary career spanning more than two decades.

Messi will make his final appearance for Argentina against Benin on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. FIFA confirmed the friendly as the 39-year-old forward’s farewell appearance for the national team.

Messi’s departure leaves Argentina facing the difficult task of filling the symbolic space occupied by the No.10 shirt for more than a decade.

The shirt will not be permanently retired. Scaloni has confirmed that Messi will be the only player to wear the No.10 during the current farewell fixtures, with the identity of his eventual successor previously left undecided.

Bueno’s report therefore represents an internal indication of Argentina’s plans rather than a formal public announcement from the Argentine Football Association.

Paz would be a striking choice to carry the number. Born in Spain but representing Argentina internationally, the attacking midfielder developed at Real Madrid before moving to Como, where he has established himself as one of the country’s emerging talents.

Paz wore the No.18 shirt for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, while Messi retained the No.10. FIFA’s official tournament squad list confirms the numbering.

His rise has accelerated since his move to Italy. Como completed a permanent €60 million transfer for Paz from Real Madrid in June, while the Spanish club retained an €80 million buy-back option for 2027.

The arrangement reflects Real Madrid’s continued interest in a player who had progressed through its academy and made his senior debut for the club.

Paz has since continued his development under Cesc Fàbregas at Como, where he is expected to play an important role as the Italian club competes at the highest level of European football.

The possibility of Paz taking Messi’s shirt is particularly significant because the No.10 has carried an enormous legacy in Argentine football.

Before Messi, the number was famously associated with Diego Maradona, whose performances helped Argentina win the 1986 World Cup.

Messi subsequently transformed the shirt into a defining symbol of his own international career.

Messi leaves Argentina as the country’s record men’s international goalscorer and appearance-maker.

FIFA records show that he has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for the national team.

His international career also includes the 2021 Copa América triumph, the 2022 World Cup victory and another Copa América title in 2024.

At the 2026 World Cup, Messi helped Argentina reach the final before Spain won 1-0 after extra time. FIFA reported that Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists during the tournament.

The farewell against Benin will therefore mark the closing of one of the most influential eras in Argentine football.

The fixture is expected to attract a huge crowd at the Monumental, with Reuters reporting that around 85,000 spectators are expected for Messi’s final international appearance.

For Paz, the potential inheritance of the No.10 would represent both an extraordinary opportunity and a formidable responsibility.

There is no suggestion that Argentina expects Paz to replicate Messi’s career. Rather, the reported decision points towards the country’s intention to entrust one of its emerging attacking players with a shirt that has become inseparable from its greatest modern footballer.

For now, however, the succession remains conditional on Scaloni’s future.

Scaloni has not publicly confirmed Paz as Messi’s successor, and his recent comments indicated that Argentina had yet to announce who would eventually receive the shirt.

If Bueno’s report is ultimately confirmed and Scaloni remains in charge, Paz could soon begin the next chapter of Argentina’s No.10 story.

Also read: Portugal Confirm Leao as New No. 7 After Ronaldo Camp Exit

For Messi, that chapter begins with one final night in the famous shirt, when Argentina welcomes Benin to Buenos Aires on October 6 for a farewell to its most decorated modern football icon.