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Why Argentina Can’t Retire Lionel Messi’s No 10 Shirt: FIFA Rule, Maradona Legacy Explained Ahead of Argentina vs Benin Football Farewell

Lionel Messi is preparing for his final Argentina appearance against Benin, but why can’t Argentina simply retire the No. 10 shirt forever? The iconic number has been worn by legends such as Diego Maradona and Mario Kempes, while Messi has given it an unmatched legacy. The answer lies in a little-known FIFA rule that could decide who wears Argentina’s No. 10 next.

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Lionel Messi will retire from international football in Argentina's friendly against Benin (7/10/2026, 02:00) at the Monumental Stadium. It will be Messi's 208th appearance for his national team and his last chance to add to his tally of 125 goals, a record in both categories for Argentina. After making his debut in 2005 and taking the number 10 shirt for Argentina in 2009, Messi has won consecutive Copa America titles (in 2021 and 2024) as well…

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The Federal President Tapia had promised it: "It will be withdrawn for life." But in the World Championships the numbers range from 1 to 26 without holes. In 2002 Argentina tried for Diego and the 10 ended in Ortega. This time it is ready for Nico Paz. The article L'Argentina cannot withdraw the 10 of Messi: Fifa forbids it, as it did for Maradona. Naples, instead, that of Diego has taken it off forever seems to be the first on the Napolista.

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The reason why this specific number will continue to be on her jersey

FIFA prevents Argentina from withdrawing Messi's 10 jersey. This article Messi: the number 10 jersey will not be withdrawn has appeared in its original version, first on the SerieANews website.

Lionel Messi will bid farewell to the national team on the night of October 7th with Argentina's friendly match against Benin. Due to FIFA's ban, Lionel Messi's number 10 jersey cannot be retired. The question of who will wear Messi's number 10 jersey afterward is starting to become clear.

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haberglobal.com broke the news on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
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