Argentina set to retire Messi's No.10 jersey once he hangs up boots

FE Team | Published: January 01, 2024 22:12:08

Lionel Messi's legendary No 10 Argentina jersey will be retired 'for life' when he hangs up his boots, the country's FA President has revealed.
Messi, considered by many as the greatest soccer player in history, put the cherry on top of his iconic career last year when he helped Argentina end its 35-year wait for a World Cup out in Qatar, according to the British daily newspaper the Daily Mail.
The Inter Miami superstar has now inspired his country to ever possible major trophy while scoring 106 goals in his 180 caps, cementing his status as an all-time Argentinian legend alongside the great Diego Maradona.
And as he plays out the final years of his career at the age of 36, Messi's nation is already planning to honor its World Cup-winning captain by retiring his No 10 jersey.
'When Messi retires from the national team, we will not allow anyone else to wear the number 10 after him,' AFA President Claudio Tapia said.
'This number 10 will be retired for life in his honor. It's the least we can do for him.'
Messi made his international debut for Argentina as an 18-year-old back in 2005, only to be sent off after just two minutes on a nightmare first cap.
Aside from picking up an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, the Barcelona great failed to inspire his country to the same kind of success he was enjoying at club level up until 2021.
It was then when he guided Argentina to Copa America glory - their first major title since 1993 - before adding the World Cup to his CV almost 18 months later.
Messi, who is gearing up for his first full season with Miami after moving to MLS back in the summer, remains captain of his country six months ahead of his 37th birthday.
The former Paris Saint-Germain forward enjoyed a breathtaking start to his career with Miami this year, scoring 11 goals in 14 games and inspiring the franchise to its first ever piece of silverware in the Leagues Cup.
Next season he will be joined at DRV PNK Stadium by ex-Barcelona teammate and close friend Luis Suarez, who recently completed a move to Miami from Brazilian team Gremio.
Messi and Suarez enjoyed great success together at Barca, with the pair claiming a historic treble in 2014-15 after forming a deadly attacking partnership with Neymar.