Argentina will not use Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt in friendlies

Argentina will not use Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt for their friendlies against Guatemala and Colombia during the international break.

Messi is not part of the squad after deciding to take a break from the international scene, and La Albiceleste have apparently decided to give his No. 10 shirt some time off too.

Here’s the squad for their match against Guatemala.

Goalkeeper Sergio Romero seemed a bit baffled by the whole thing.

“The No.10 jersey has always been used,” he said.

”I don’t understand why it’s not being used now. I haven’t asked. I haven’t inquired. I had no idea that it wasn’t going to be used.

”In all the friendlies, it has always been available. Probably, for some reason, it will not be used now. I just found out.”

Source | TyC Sports

It’s unclear exactly why Argentina aren’t using the No. 10 shirt, but it’s being interpreted as a goodwill gesture towards Messi while he contemplates his international future.