Argentina plan to retire the number 10 jersey to honour Lionel Messi when the football star retires from the international game.
“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 led Argentina to the nation’s third World Cup title in 2022 when they edged France in a penalty shootout in Qatar. Messi scored twice in the final and converted his attempt in the shootout. The 35-year-old has scored 106 goals in his 180 caps for Argentina, and also led them to Copa América glory in 2021.
But some football fans are less than impressed with the planned gesture.