Lionel Messi ended his time with the Argentina national team with 125 goals in 207 games, including 21 goals scored in World Cups. His trophy cabinet boasts a World Cup (2022), a Finalissima (2022), two Copa America titles (2021 and 2024), an Olympic gold medal (2008), and a World Cup U-20 (2005). The Argentina national team now faces a significant challenge: choosing a new number 10. This will only happen if the number 10 jersey continues to exist in the team.
The Argentina national team is currently in a period of reconstruction, with coach Lionel Scaloni having a contract until December 2026. However, he has expressed a desire to take a break from work after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup. Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), has assured that Scaloni is the "Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C" for the AFA executive committee, but will respect the coach's decision.
Argentina will also need to choose a new captain, as Messi has been the team's captain since 2011. Additionally, the team will need to select a new player to wear the number 10 jersey, which was previously worn by Messi since 2009. Two players are currently in contention for this role: Thiago Almada and Nico Paz.