Argentina’s plan to retire Lionel Messi’s iconic number 10 shirt has reportedly been blocked by International Federation of Association Football, FIFA regulations.
The Argentine Football Association is seeking to permanently retire the shirt following Messi’s retirement from international football.
A similar situation occurred in Liberia after the country retired the number 14 shirt in honour of former striker and president George Weah.
Messi is expected to make his farewell appearance for Argentina on October 6 against Benin in Buenos Aires.
The Inter Miami forward has made 207 international appearances and scored 125 goals for Argentina.
However, FIFA rules require teams at international final tournaments to use squad numbers from one to 26, meaning Argentina cannot permanently retire the number 10 shirt.
