No non Lionel Messi has officially brought his remarkable Argentina international career to an end, making his 208th and final appearance for the national team in a 3–0 victory over Benin in Buenos Aires.
Messi scored during his farewell match, which was followed by emotional scenes as Argentina supporters and his teammates celebrated one of the greatest international careers in football history. He leaves the national team after 21 years and after helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles.
With Messi now gone, one major question is who will eventually take over Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt.
According to the article, TyC Sports journalist Ernesto Provitilo has suggested Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as the ideal successor.
Provitilo gave Argentina’s players 10/10 ratings following Messi’s farewell but singled out Mac Allister because of the midfielder’s close relationship with Messi during their time together with the national team.
The journalist pointed particularly to the 2022 World Cup final against France. Mac Allister played a key role in the build-up to Argentina’s second goal, supplying the pass that helped create Ángel Di María’s finish. Argentina eventually won the dramatic final on penalties after a 3–3 draw.
Provitilo believes that contribution, together with Mac Allister’s relationship with Messi and his importance to Argentina, makes him worthy of taking over the famous shirt.
Mac Allister already wears No. 10 at Liverpool
There is another interesting connection.
Mac Allister already wears the No. 10 shirt for Liverpool, although he has traditionally worn No. 20 for Argentina.
That means taking the No. 10 for his country would give him the same iconic number at both club and international level. The article argues that the responsibility would be enormous because the shirt has become synonymous with Messi, just as Argentina’s No. 10 was previously strongly associated with Diego Maradona.
However, the writer believes Mac Allister has enough experience and personality to handle the pressure if Argentina eventually gives him the number.
Who else could get Messi’s No. 10?
Mac Allister is not officially confirmed as Messi’s successor.
Other candidates have also been discussed, including younger Argentine talents such as Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono, as well as established internationals including Thiago Almada and Enzo Fernández.
So, for now, the Mac Allister idea is a journalist’s personal suggestion, rather than an announcement from the Argentina national team.
Still, it would be a huge honour for the Liverpool midfielder if he were eventually chosen to inherit Messi’s legendary shirt.
