Why Argentina Cannot Retire Messi’s No. 10 Shirt

Argentina’s plan to honour Lionel Messi by retiring his No. 10 shirt has run into an obstacle: FIFA’s squad-numbering rules.

The proposed tribute would keep the number out of use after Messi’s international career ends, preserving its association with one of Argentina’s most celebrated players.

But FIFA tournaments require teams to assign players shirt numbers within a prescribed range. Argentina cannot simply remove No. 10 from that system as a permanent tribute while still meeting those competition requirements.

The distinction is between a symbolic decision by Argentina and the rules governing its participation in international tournaments. Retiring Messi’s number would express the country’s appreciation, but it would not override FIFA’s regulations.