Argentina set to RETIRE iconic No. 10 jersey upon Lionel Messi’s retirement a year after historic World Cup triumph
It is to be seen whether FIFA accepts Argentina's proposal to retire the No.10 jersey!
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Argentina are set to retire the iconic No.10 jersey now worn by Messi, once worn by Maradona. (Image via Goal.com and Forbes)
The Argentina Football Association has made a historic decision to retire the legendary No. 10 jersey once Lionel Messi steps down from the national team captaincy. This move follows Messi’s leadership in securing Argentina’s third FIFA World Cup win in December 2022.
The revered number 10 jersey holds an immense legacy in the Argentinian national team, worn by soccer legends Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi during their World Cup victories. Not only Maradona, but Mario Kempes, a legendary figure from Argentina’s 1978 World Cup triumph, also donned this iconic shirt before these two greats. Argentina previously proposed retiring the No.10 jersey after Maradona’s retirement, yet FIFA’s regulations required the number’s use in the 2002 World Cup. Calls to retire the jersey intensified after Maradona’s unfortunate passing in 2020.
Consistent media debate surrounding Lionel Messi’s successor for the iconic No.10 jersey concludes as AFA President, Claudio Tapia, has now decided to retire it upon the 36-year-old Ballon d’Or winner’s national team retirement. Tapia exclaimed that he sees this as the football federation’s fitting tribute to honor the contributions of the 2022 World Cup victor, recognizing his ongoing stellar performances.
Furthermore, the retirement of the iconic Argentina No.10 jersey would also honor the achievements of Maradona and Kempes, both World Cup winners in 1986 and 1978, respectively.
The Inter Miami player holds a remarkable track record with the Argentina national team, placing him among football legends like Diego Maradona. While FIFA’s rules on jersey numbers remain unchanged, it’s intriguing to observe what plans La Albiceleste might consider for retiring the No.10 shirt.
Lionel Messi’s remarkable stats and accomplishments representing the Argentina national team
The 36-year-old striker has achieved remarkable success with the Argentine national team, breaking records and securing numerous trophies. As rumors swirl about Lionel Messi’s potential retirement after the 2024 Copa America, it’s crucial to evaluate his accomplishments with the national squad.
Messi holds the national record for most goals, netting 106 in 180 appearances, also marking the highest number of appearances. Initially hailed as Diego Maradona’s successor, the former Barcelona forward clinched the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship and the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal during his early tenure with the national squad.
In 2006, he became Argentina’s youngest player to both participate in and score in a FIFA World Cup. As captain, he guided the team to the finals of the 2014 World Cup, along with the 2015 and 2016 Copa Americas. His pinnacle moments include securing victory in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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Syed Talib Haider
(1039 Articles Published)