Has Scaloni Found Messi’s Successor as Argentina’s No. 10?
Nico Paz could be set to inherit one of the most iconic shirts in international football after Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team.
According to ESPN Argentina journalist Federico Bueno, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has internally decided that Paz will take over the No. 10 shirt once Messi’s international career comes to an end. Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister had previously been considered potential candidates, but Scaloni is reportedly favouring the young midfielder instead.
Paz currently wears the No. 10 shirt for Como 1907, where he has become an increasingly important figure. The 21-year-old could now wear the same number for Argentina and begin a new era following Messi’s 17-year association with the shirt.
The decision would represent a major vote of confidence in Paz, who has generally worn No. 18 during his appearances for the national team. He has so far earned 11 caps for Argentina and is now being tipped to take on a much greater role in the squad.
Messi first took permanent ownership of Argentina’s No. 10 during Diego Maradona’s tenure as national team coach in March 2009. He went on to wear the shirt for 172 international appearances across all competitions, surpassing the records associated with previous Argentina No. 10s including Maradona, Ariel Ortega, Juan Roman Riquelme and Marcelo Gallardo.
“If Scaloni begins contract negotiations next month and extends his stay with Argentina until 2030, the No. 10 shirt will be given to Nico Paz. This has already been determined internally and discussed seriously,” Bueno reported.
For Paz, the potential promotion arrives after an impressive rise at club level. The midfielder enjoyed a productive campaign with Como under Cesc Fabregas, contributing 13 goals and seven assists while helping I Lariani secure a place in the Champions League.
His development has also strengthened his case for a more prominent role with Argentina. Technically gifted, comfortable between the lines and capable of creating opportunities in the final third, Paz has increasingly looked like a player capable of carrying greater responsibility.
Taking Messi’s No. 10 shirt would inevitably come with enormous expectations. The number has been synonymous with one of the greatest players in football history for more than a decade, and whoever inherits it will inevitably face comparisons with the Argentina captain.
For Scaloni, however, the reported decision appears to be about looking forward rather than replacing Messi directly. Paz would have the opportunity to establish his own identity while becoming one of the central figures in Argentina’s next generation.
The end of Messi’s era may close one of the most remarkable chapters in Argentina’s history, but Scaloni appears ready to begin another with Nico Paz at the heart of it.
