The No.10 in soccer. It has a certain aura around it. It has a certain weight that comes along with the jersey, one that many have had the privilege of donning. But it’s one that only a handful have made their own. And, arguably, at the very top of that list is a modern-day great who’s become almost synonymous with the No.10. When people think of the No.10, there’s a good chance they’re picturing Lionel Messi. The whole of Argentina certainly does—placing him right up there with the legendary Diego Maradona—which is why the Argentine Football Association has made the decision it did.

“When Messi retires from the national team, we will not allow anyone else to wear the number 10 after him,” said AFA President Claudio Tapia. It’s no secret just how much playing for his country means to La Pulga, how much it means to lead Argentina. Tasked with the job of following in the footsteps of Maradona, the 36-year-old rose to the occasion at every time of asking. And now, 180 appearances (and counting), 106 goals, an Olympic gold, a Copa America, and a World Cup later, the decision has been made.

Lionel Messi will forever be the Argentina National Team’s No.10 (if things go as planned)

Lionel Messi may still be an active player of La Albiceleste, but when he decides to hang up his boots, “This number 10 will be retired for life in his honor. It’s the least we can do for him,” added Claudio Tapia. Surprisingly, the AFA made a similar proposal when Maradona retired in 1997. But FIFA denied that from happening because it requires players to wear all numbers from 1 to 23 during official national team competitions. While it’ll be interesting to see what FIFA’s verdict on AFA’s Messi proposal would be, the governing body may not be the only one opposed to the idea.

Former Norwegian international Jan Aage Fjortoft wasn’t on Team AFA regarding the retirement of Argentina’s No.10 jersey when Messi calls it quits. When the BBC posted Tapia’s statement on X, Fjortoft replied, “Imagine they had a Maradona as number 10…” implying that if Argentina retired the No.10 in anyone’s honor, it should’ve been Maradona. But that wasn’t his only argument.

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Fjortoft followed that tweet with, “Maradona’s number 10 inspired Messi! As will a new generation be inspired by Messi’s number 10.” Donning the No.10 is a dream for many, and just like Maradona’s legacy inspired Messi, his contribution to Argentinian soccer is bound to have the same effect. Fjortoft suggested that taking that opportunity to emulate their heroes away from the younger generations wouldn’t be right.

Regardless of how this story develops, it will be an emotional moment for almost the entire soccer community when Lionel Messi retires (with the No.10 if things go according to the AFA’s plan). But most of all, for Lionel Messi himself, who’s already spoken about the significance of the No.10 jersey.

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Lionel Messi on the importance of the No.10 for Argentinians

Whenever Lionel Messi talks about Diego Maradona, it’s evident from his passion and genuine starry-eyedness that the Argentinian legend left as much of a mark on him as he did on the soccer world. Argentina achieved historic feats in the sport thanks to their former talisman’s illustrious performances, especially during the 1986 World Cup. 

In an interview, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was asked what the No.10 jersey meant to him, and he couldn’t help but pay tribute to Maradona’s glorious career and emphasize his desire to be like him! He said, “For us Argentinians, the No.10 is a very special number because you talk about No.10 and automatically, Maradona comes to your mind.” 

“Those of us who grew up playing football wanted to be like him,” Messi added. Despite achieving all that he has himself, La Pulga stayed humble as ever, asserting, “Although no one was able to be like him. That was our dream and desire.”

The up-and-coming Argentinian generation of soccer players will and are undoubtedly looking up to the legend that is Lionel Messi. Just as he looked up to Diego Maradona. And the tie that binds them is that iconic La Albiceleste No.10 jersey. But the question is, will FIFA accept the decision to retire the jersey? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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