According to Mundo Deportivo, Nico Paz is the leading candidate to inherit Argentina’s No. 10 shirt when Lionel Messi ends his international career.
Messi is preparing to play his final match for Argentina, bringing one of the most significant eras in the national team’s history towards its conclusion. His departure will not only leave a major gap in the squad but also raise the question of who will take possession of the famous No. 10 jersey.
The shirt carries particular importance in Argentina. It was previously worn by Diego Maradona before Messi made it his own, meaning whoever succeeds him will face considerable expectations.
For coach Scaloni, replacing Messi’s influence will be a substantial challenge. No player can directly replicate his contribution, but Argentina will still need a new attacking focal point as the team begins to move into a different phase.
At present, Nico Paz appears to have the strongest claim to the number. The left-footed player, who was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, is regarded as Scaloni’s preferred option to help lead Argentina’s attack in the post-Messi era.
Scaloni also sees Paz as capable of operating in positions that Messi occupied for much of his Argentina career. He can begin on the right before moving inside and finding space across the attacking areas, giving the team an additional creative option during build-up play.
Paz’s recent involvement suggests that Scaloni is already preparing for a side without Messi. Messi was absent from Argentina’s previous two friendly matches, against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, with Paz starting both games. Those selections indicate the confidence the coach currently has in the Como player.
Argentina’s next fixture will be against Benin, in what is expected to be Messi’s farewell match for the national team. A key decision for Scaloni will be whether to select Messi and Paz together, giving the established No. 10 the opportunity to play alongside the player viewed as his potential successor.
Franco Mastantuono is another possible long-term candidate for the shirt. However, he is currently behind Paz in the contest to inherit Argentina’s most recognisable number.