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Argentina are considering Nico Paz as a potential successor to Lionel Messi’s iconic No.10 shirt.
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The number carries the legacy of Diego Maradona before Messi made it his own.
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Paz’s possible elevation could depend on Lionel Scaloni remaining as Argentina’s head coach.
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Thiago Almada, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez are also among the players in the conversation.
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Whoever inherits the shirt will face enormous expectations following Messi’s legendary international career.
September 02, (THEWILL) — Argentina have begun the search for the player who will inherit one of the most famous shirts in international football after Lionel Messi brought his remarkable national-team career to an end.
The No.10 shirt has carried extraordinary significance for Argentina, having been worn by Diego Maradona before Messi took over and created a legacy that will be difficult to match.
Now, with Messi stepping away from international football, reports suggest Nico Paz has emerged as one of the leading candidates to become the next player associated with the iconic number.
However, the decision is not yet final, with the future of head coach Lionel Scaloni potentially playing an important role.
From Maradona to Messi
Argentina’s No.10 has never been an ordinary squad number.
Maradona transformed it into a symbol of creativity, leadership and individual brilliance during his legendary career, most famously inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986.
Messi eventually inherited the shirt and spent years carrying the enormous expectations that came with it.
His Argentina journey was initially marked by disappointment, including defeats in major finals, but he eventually ended the wait for international glory by winning the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup.
Messi subsequently added another Copa América title before bringing his international career towards its conclusion.
The player who follows him will therefore inherit a shirt connected to two of Argentina’s greatest-ever footballers.
Paz has emerged as one of the most exciting young attacking talents in Argentine football.
The 21-year-old midfielder developed through Real Madrid’s youth system before moving to Italy, where his performances for Como have helped establish him as a player capable of operating at the highest level.
His technical ability, creativity and attacking intelligence have made him an attractive candidate for a number traditionally associated with Argentina’s most influential attacking players.
Paz has also already broken into the senior national team, giving him experience of playing alongside and learning from the generation led by Messi.
That experience could strengthen his case as Argentina begin planning for life after their legendary captain.
Scaloni’s Future Could Be Crucial
Credit Getty image
Despite Paz’s emergence, there is an important factor that could influence the decision: Scaloni’s future.
The coach has been central to Argentina’s success in recent years, overseeing the transformation of the national team from a side repeatedly falling short in major tournaments into one of the dominant forces in international football.
Under Scaloni, Argentina won the Copa América in 2021, the World Cup in 2022 and reached another World Cup final in 2026.
If Scaloni remains in charge, Paz could have a greater chance of becoming the next player entrusted with the famous shirt.
A change in the coaching staff, however, could lead to a different approach and open the race to other candidates.
Other Stars in the Conversation
Paz is not the only player capable of carrying the No.10.
Argentina have several established attacking players who could potentially take on the responsibility, including Thiago Almada, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
Their experience at international level could make them attractive alternatives, particularly if Argentina decide that the shirt should immediately go to an established senior player rather than a younger prospect.
That leaves the national team with an important decision: whether to hand the number to the next generation or entrust it to one of the players already established at the highest level.
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The Weight of Messi’s Legacy
Whoever eventually wears the shirt will have to deal with inevitable comparisons to Messi.
The 10 became almost inseparable from the former Barcelona and Inter Miami star during his Argentina career, and his achievements have set a remarkably high standard for anyone who follows.
Messi leaves behind a record that includes multiple major international trophies, more than 200 appearances for Argentina and the status of the country’s all-time leading scorer.
But the next No.10 cannot simply be expected to become another Messi.
The challenge will be creating a new identity while carrying the history attached to the number.
Argentina Enter a New Era
The search for Messi’s successor represents more than a decision over a squad number.
It is a symbol of Argentina’s transition into a new era.
For decades, the country’s No.10 has been associated with Maradona and Messi. Now, for the first time in years, another player will have the opportunity to write his own chapter.
Paz appears to be one of the leading candidates, but Scaloni’s future could prove decisive.
Whether the shirt eventually goes to Paz, Almada, Álvarez, Martínez or another emerging star, one thing is certain: the next Argentina No.10 will inherit a legacy that began with Maradona, reached extraordinary heights with Messi, and now awaits its next chapter.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
