The Athletic discussed Argentina's future following Lionel Messi's retirement and reported that while FIFA does not permit national teams to retire shirt numbers, Nico Paz is the most likely candidate to inherit Messi's iconic No. 10.

On July 16, shortly after Argentina defeated England 3-0 in the World Cup semi-final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Argentine journalists gathered in the press room.

Seasoned veteran reporters had covered Argentina's national team for years and thought they'd seen everything, but they had never witnessed a scene quite like this. "What these young men are doing is unbelievable," one of them said.

His colleague was on the verge of tears watching another moving victory led by Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old led his team to victory against a fierce rival in one of the tournament's most intense matches. In the first half, Messi repeatedly dribbled past England's defenders, setting the tone for the entire team. In the second half, as England tightened their defense, Messi constantly demanded the ball and orchestrated a historic comeback. While Argentines often called Messi "El Enano" (The Dwarf), in this moment, he exceeded even the highest expectations placed upon him.

Before taking their seats, the two men embraced firmly, completely overwhelmed by emotion as if witnessing the moment of victory itself. They shouted together, "Vamos, Argentina!" Yet everyone knew that the 2026 World Cup would likely be Messi's last major tournament. It is now known that Messi was carrying a heavy emotional burden at the time. His father Jorge was gravely ill and would pass away on August 8 at age 68. As Messi wept, the entire Argentine nation grieved with him. Over those four years, an unbreakable bond had formed between the player and his country. Lionel Messi had finally become the national hero he had always dreamed of being.

On August 31, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, ending a 21-year international career. His legacy includes over 200 appearances, 125 goals, and 68 assists.

Argentina must now figure out how to move forward without Lionel Messi. Who will inherit his No. 10? Will coach Lionel Scaloni also step down? Is this truly the end of an era, or a harsh reality that must be faced after a legendary departure?

Despite the passionate admiration young Argentine fans show for Lionel Messi today, he has not entirely surpassed the legendary status symbolized by Maradona. However, from Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory through this summer's Copa América, Messi served as an irreplaceable cornerstone and captain, becoming an almost godlike figure and symbolizing Argentina's return as one of the world's soccer superpowers.

The miraculous victory at Lusail Stadium in 2022 prompted the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to launch a global expansion plan worth hundreds of millions of dollars. With Messi as the central figure, the AFA created high-profile international sports IP, secured sponsorships from major corporations like American Express and McDonald's, and established business partnerships in the Middle East and China. As World Cup champion, Lionel Messi was the ultimate revenue generator.

Despite being embroiled in corruption investigations, the AFA's commercial rise directly depended on Messi's immense influence in the latter stages of his career. Consequently, the national team's generational transition plans were repeatedly postponed. Before 2022, Messi's relationship with the national team had been unstable, at times reaching historic lows. Even when Argentina performed poorly and lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Messi departed in glory. This has made Argentina's post-Messi reconstruction even more difficult.

After Messi announced his retirement from the national team, many in Argentina called on the AFA to retire the No. 10 that Messi has worn since 2009—the year Maradona personally named him as his successor. However, FIFA regulations do not permit national teams to retire shirt numbers.

Therefore, someone—or more accurately, likely several players—will need to wear this No. 10 in succession. After Maradona's retirement, Aimar, Ortega, and Riquelme took on this important role. Since Messi wore the No. 10 for 20 years, its succession has become a long rotation among candidates.

The most highly regarded candidate is 22-year-old midfielder Nico Paz, who plays for Como. This young star possesses considerable creativity, though he had limited playing time for Argentina this summer. Given his exceptional left-footed technique, his future looks promising.

However, no one can truly replace Lionel Messi. Frankly, Paz's style is closer to Fernando Redondo than a replica of Messi (and that is the highest praise). In Argentina's post-Messi era, the debate over who wears the No. 10 is merely superficial. The real challenge ahead is incredibly difficult. Escaping from the shadow of this legendary era will never be easy.

In 2022, when Lionel Messi entered the mixed zone at Lusail Stadium, a massive roar erupted as hundreds of journalists shouted "Leo!" simultaneously. His goal against Mexico propelled Argentina forward and became the symbolic moment of Argentina's 2022 World Cup journey.

Camera shutters clicked incessantly as media from around the world competed for Messi's attention. While Messi gave interviews to broadcasters, print journalists pushed against each other, held back by FIFA's media barriers.

Messi, fresh off a 2-0 victory over Mexico, had completely turned the team's fortune around following their shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening match. Messi was the key to this turnaround. His goal in the 64th minute broke Mexico's stubborn defense and laid the foundation for Argentina's eventual victory.

Every time Messi appeared in the mixed zone, the atmosphere was always lively and chaotic. A single word or gentle smile from Messi could instantly make headlines around the world. No other player on the current Argentina squad possesses such influence.

Atlético Madrid defender Cristian Romero was recently mentioned by Argentine media as a candidate for the next national team captain, but the news did not truly stir the hearts of many people. Romero and other players with potential for the captaincy must undertake the difficult task of leading the generational transition, supporting lesser-known young players and newcomers who lack experience in major tournaments.

Messi's leadership also underwent a transformation. From a somewhat shy superstar who spoke through his actions on the pitch and sometimes appeared unwilling to shoulder responsibility, he evolved into a beloved captain with absolute authority. He became stubborn, fierce in his competitive spirit, and more easily influenced by external factors. This aspect of Lionel Messi will be forever etched into the narrative of his later career.

Argentina, a soccer powerhouse unsatisfied with mediocrity, must accept that the "world's best player" is no longer in the starting lineup. If Argentina stubbornly continues to search for a Messi replacement, as it once did for a successor to Maradona, the effort will be futile. The emergence of Lionel Messi after Maradona precisely demonstrates that Argentina's rich soccer soil continuously produces talent.

Searching for a successor with such expectations is akin to blind fantasy. Who could continue the legacy of such a legend? And who would willingly shoulder such a heavy burden?

Beyond Messi, players like Martínez, Otamendi, Paredes, Lo Celso, De Paul, Tagliafico, and star forward Lautaro Martínez are also nearing the end of their national team careers. On Monday, Tagliafico spoke to reporters in Buenos Aires and, when asked about the state of the national team, answered, "We are at the end of an era."

On October 7, Argentina will face Benin from West Africa at Monumental Stadium. This will be Messi's last appearance in an Argentina uniform. His 21-year international career will end with this hastily arranged farewell match against a relatively weaker opponent, which also reflects the chaotic state of Argentine soccer following Messi's departure.

Therefore, Lionel Messi's retirement from international football may become the longest chapter in Argentine soccer history.

AI翻訳。

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