Lionel Scaloni has said Argentina will leave Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt vacant for now, speaking after extending his contract as head coach until the 2030 World Cup. He addressed the issue at a press conference in Buenos Aires ahead of the friendly against Uruguay at La Bombonera.
“In this game, we’re not going to give it to anyone. We haven’t thought about who to give it to until it becomes mandatory.”
The number must eventually go to someone, because FIFA requires national teams in official competitions to number squads from one to 23. For now, Scaloni insisted the matter does not worry him, saying it is not particularly important.
What he does want is permanence. He hopes the shirt will not pass between different players, and that when the decision comes, it goes to someone who can keep it for years, as Messi did.
Messi himself loomed over the whole conversation. The captain retired from international football after his farewell appearance against Benin, and Scaloni called him irreplaceable, saying his influence reached beyond what he did on the pitch.
Argentina will try to keep a similar style of play, but with different alternatives. Scaloni admitted he has not yet spoken to Messi about the renewal, and said he hopes the former captain is happy that the project continues.
The new deal runs in two phases, according to Argentine press reports. The first covers two years with the 2027 Copa America in view and includes a clause allowing Scaloni to leave early if he loses motivation or energy.
The second phase adds two more years, with the next World Cup final as the target. AFA president Claudio Tapia said it makes Scaloni the coach of the association with the most World Cups managed.
Scaloni said he is extremely happy and that the enthusiasm is the same as on day one. After consulting those close to him, he decided that continuing was the best option, and he thanked the federation for its effort.
He also spoke of a new phase built around young players, who he said need patience and understanding. They have immense potential, he said, but have not yet reached the level of Messi, Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi.
Two midfielders were also discussed. Leandro Paredes is serving a 10-match suspension after the final against Spain, with seven games remaining, and Scaloni called him potentially the best central midfielder Argentina could have, provided he is fit.
Rodrigo De Paul is absent from the squad for the Uruguay and Costa Rica friendlies. Scaloni said the door is not closed, but that he wants to see younger options and needs the best version of the Inter Miami player.
On the coaching staff, Walter Samuel is leaving for a new coaching job in Europe. Pablo Aimar, Roberto Ayala, Luis Martin, Martin Tocalli and Matias Manna stay on.
Argentina face Uruguay on Saturday, November 14, at 5am Bangladesh Time, then Costa Rica next Wednesday in Cordoba. The kick-off time for the Costa Rica game has not been confirmed.