The post-Messi era for the Argentine national team has already begun to take shape, and one of the most important issues concerns the jersey bearing the legendary No. 10.
According to a report by ESPN Argentina, Lionel Scaloni has already decided who will take over from Lionel Messi, provided he renews his contract as head coach of the “Albiceleste.”
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The Argentine national team coach’s choice is reportedly Nico Paz, with this matter having been discussed internally and viewed as a crucial decision for the national team’s future.
Messi announced his retirement from the Argentine national team after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an extraordinary career with the national team to a close while leaving one of the most iconic jerseys in world soccer vacant. Nicolás Otamendi also retired alongside him, with the two players being the last remaining members of the squad that had reached the 2014 World Cup final.
At the same time, the question of Scaloni’s future remains open, as his current contract expires in December 2026. Discussions regarding his contract renewal are expected to take place in the coming months, with planning for the 2030 World Cup now taking center stage.
As reported by ESPN Argentina journalist Federico Bueno, if Scaloni remains as head coach, Nico Paz will be the one to wear the No. 10 jersey. To date, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder has been wearing No. 18 for the national team, a number that Messi himself wore during the early years of his international career.
The names of much more established players, such as Enzo Fernández and Alexis McAllister, had also been mentioned as potential successors to the Argentine legend. Nevertheless, Scaloni seems to see in Paz the player on whom a significant part of Argentina’s new generation can rely.
Nico Paz has already made 11 appearances for the national team, including two at the 2026 World Cup. Despite his young age, he is already familiar with the weight of wearing the No. 10 jersey at the club level, as he wears it for Como. In the 2025–26 season, he scored 13 goals and recorded seven assists in 42 appearances, playing a decisive role in the Italian club’s historic qualification for the Champions League.
*photo source: AP
