Lionel Scaloni confirmed Cristian Cuti Romero as Argentina’s new captain following Lionel Messi’s retirement, while leaving the iconic number 10 jersey unassigned for now. The decision, announced ahead of Messi’s final international match against Benin on October 7, marks a pivotal shift for the Albiceleste.
Romero Named Captain, Number 10 Remains Unassigned
Lionel Scaloni revealed on September 24 that Cristian Cuti Romero will succeed Lionel Messi as Argentina’s captain, citing the defender’s leadership qualities and prior experience as a third captain during Messi’s tenure. El capitán va a ser Cuti, Scaloni stated, noting Romero’s role as a positive, good person to fill Messi’s void. The 28-year-old Atlético de Madrid center-back had previously carried the armband in three matches during Scaloni’s coaching cycle, including a 2024 Copa América qualifier against Chile. His most recent appearance as captain was in a 2026 friendly against Mauritania, where Argentina won 2-1 at the Bombonera.
The number 10 jersey, iconic for Messi’s 207 caps and 125 goals, remains unassigned for now. Scaloni clarified, For these matches, we are not obligated to assign the number 10 to a player, so we will not entrust it to anyone before Leo's match.
This decision aligns with Argentina’s tradition of reserving the number for its most legendary players, a practice that saw Diego Maradona, Juan Román Riquelme, and Franco Mastantuono wear it before Messi. The last Argentine to don the number 10 outside of Messi’s tenure was Mastantuono in a 2025 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador, which ended in a 0-1 loss.
Cine ia numărul 10 la Argentina?” Lionel Scaloni a
Messi’s Farewell and the Search for a New Number 10
Messi’s final international appearance will be against Benin on October 7 at Buenos Aires’ Monumental stadium, where he will wear the number 10 one last time. A special jersey, featuring MESSI and the number 10 in gold with the Soarele de Mai (May Sun) symbol, was unveiled for the occasion. Scaloni hinted at a future successor: We will see later who we will entrust it to; we have not decided yet.
Potential candidates include Lautaro Martínez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Nicolás Paz, though no official announcement has been made.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has emphasized that the number 10 will forever be associated with Messi’s legacy. This stance contrasts with the 2025 Copa América qualifier against Ecuador, where Franco Mastantuono last wore the number 10 in a match without Messi on the field. Scaloni reiterated that the decision to leave the number vacant is deliberate: We are not obligated to assign the number for these matches, so we will not offer it to anyone until Leo's farewell match.
Leadership Transition and Team Dynamics
Scaloni outlined a multi-tiered leadership structure, with Emiliano Dibu Martínez and Lautaro Martínez as potential alternates to Romero. Emiliano (Martínez) can lead the team. Rodrigo (De Paul), who will not be present in these two matches, can lead the team. Lautaro can lead the team,
Scaloni said. This approach reflects a deliberate effort to distribute responsibility as the team adjusts to life without its legendary captain. De Paul, who was previously a captain in 2025, will miss the upcoming matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.
Scaloni păstrează tricoul cu numărul 10 pentru Messi până
The transition comes amid heightened scrutiny of Scaloni’s future. The coach, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, has faced questions about his contract extension. However, he downplayed concerns, stating, I don't think it is important for them. Obviously, I imagine it is more comfortable that a long-time known coach is kept.
Scaloni’s comments suggest he remains confident in his role despite speculation about his tenure.
Cultural Significance of the Number 10
The number 10’s symbolic weight in Argentine football history underscores the gravity of this transition. Maradona, Riquelme, and Messi each redefined the role, with Messi’s 2009 adoption of the jersey marking a new era. Scaloni acknowledged this legacy, stating, The number 10 has a special symbolic load in the history of the Argentine national team.
The AFA’s decision to keep the number 10 vacant for now reflects a desire to honor Messi’s impact while allowing future players to earn the distinction. This approach contrasts with the 2025 Ecuador match, where Mastantuono’s brief tenure with the number 10 highlighted the rarity of the assignment.
Next Steps for the Albiceleste
Argentina’s upcoming fixtures include friendlies against Bolivia (October 1), Burkina Faso (October 4), and Benin (October 7). The Benin match will serve as Messi’s formal farewell, with the team aiming to celebrate his legacy while preparing for the future. Scaloni emphasized the importance of these games: These are matches to experiment. Our base style continues to be based on ball control.
The team’s focus on continuity is evident in Scaloni’s leadership strategy. By appointing Romero as captain and retaining the number 10 as a symbolic placeholder, Argentina seeks to honor its past while fostering new leadership. As the Albiceleste moves forward, the challenge will be maintaining the unity and success that defined Messi’s era.