In a significant gesture, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced that Lionel Messi's legendary No. 10 shirt will remain vacant for the upcoming international matches. This decision comes as Messi prepares to don the iconic jersey for the last time during a specially arranged farewell match against Benin in October.

Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, confirmed this decision, stating, "Until Leo Messi’s match, nobody will wear the 10." As a result, the team will not have a player assigned to the No. 10 jersey for their friendlies against Bolivia and Burkina Faso scheduled for September and October.

The AFA plans to determine who will inherit the prestigious No. 10 shirt only after Messi officially concludes his international career. This move underscores the immense respect and admiration for Messi, who has been a pivotal figure in Argentine football and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Messi's farewell match is set to be a memorable occasion, marking the end of an era for the Argentine national team. Fans and players alike are expected to pay tribute to the football icon, celebrating his contributions to the sport and his legacy within the team.

As the football world anticipates this historic event, the decision to keep the No. 10 shirt vacant highlights the significance of Messi's role in Argentine football history and the emotional weight of his departure from international play.