FIFA rules block Argentina from retiring Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt

Argentina’s plan to retire Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt has reportedly been blocked by FIFA regulations. According to Punch, FIFA rules require participating teams to use squad numbers within the permitted range at its tournaments, preventing Argentina from permanently withdrawing the number.

Messi announced his international retirement in August after an extraordinary career with the national team and is scheduled to receive a farewell against Benin on October 6. Lionel Scaloni has yet to decide who will inherit the shirt, although ESPN Argentina reports that Nico Paz could eventually take the famous number.