Argentina’s reported plan to retire Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt has been prevented by FIFA regulations, according to GOAL.com.
The Argentine Football Association was said to have considered permanently withdrawing the number following Messi’s decision to end his international career.
Messi announced on August 31 that he would retire from international football after more than 20 years representing Argentina.
The Inter Miami forward is expected to receive a farewell before the home crowd on October 6, when Argentina face Benin in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Messi has made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for Argentina, wearing the No. 10 shirt for most of his international career.
However, FIFA rules require teams at international final tournaments to assign squad numbers from one to 26, meaning Argentina cannot permanently retire the number.
Liberia faced a similar situation after retiring the No. 14 shirt in honour of former striker and president George Weah.
