Former Argentina international Carlos Mac Allister has suggested that the national team should rotate the iconic number 10 shirt among several players before appointing a permanent successor to Lionel Messi. The proposal comes amid discussions over who will inherit the famous number following Messi’s eventual departure from international football.
Mac Allister believes Argentina should avoid immediately assigning the shirt to one player, instead allowing several members of the squad to take turns wearing it. Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Alexis Mac Allister and Nico Paz are among the players he suggested could be given the opportunity. He believes the coaching staff should observe their performances and how they handle the responsibility before making a final decision, potentially waiting eight or nine months.
While the future of the number 10 shirt remains undecided, head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Cristian Romero will take over the captaincy when Messi steps aside. Romero, who previously served as third captain behind Messi and Nicolás Otamendi, will assume the leadership role. Argentina’s coaching staff will therefore have to determine who inherits one of the most recognisable shirts in international football, with Mac Allister’s proposal offering a transitional approach.
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