Nico Paz has been identified as the player set to inherit Lionel Messi’s iconic number 10 shirt for Argentina following the Inter Miami forward’s international retirement.
Messi, a Barcelona legend, announced his retirement from international football on August 31, ending a career with the national team that spanned more than two decades.
The Inter Miami forward is expected to formally bid farewell to Argentine supporters on October 6 during a friendly match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Argentina had intended to permanently retire the number 10 jersey after Messi’s departure, but FIFA regulations do not allow the move.
ESPN Argentina correspondent Federico Bueno said Argentina has internally decided who will wear the shirt.
He said: “Should Scaloni renew his contract as Argentina manager, then Nico Paz will become the new number 10. This determination has been made internally.”
The 22 year old Paz is regarded as one of the outstanding attacking midfielders in world football.
The former Real Madrid midfielder completed a permanent €60 million transfer to Como last summer and has an €80 million buy back clause in his contract.
