Argentina will step into the post-Lionel Messi era without their iconic No. 10 jersey on display, as manager Lionel Scaloni opts to leave the shirt unassigned for Wednesday's friendly against Bolivia in Cordoba, ESPN reports.Messi, 39, announced his international retirement in late August following a stellar career that yielded 125 goals in 207 appearances for La Albiceleste, alongside 21 goals across six World Cup tournaments.
His final bow will take place on Oct 6 against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
"We aren't obligated to assign it for these matches, so we won't give it to anyone until Leo's farewell game," Scaloni said during Tuesday's press conference at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium. "The idea is for someone to eventually take it on, given how special it is to wear. We just haven't decided who yet."
With Messi absent for the upcoming double-header, Scaloni is using the fixture to experiment tactically, including fielding strikers Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez together up front.
Italy-based playmaker Nicolas Paz (Como) is expected to step into the central creative role, alongside planned starts for Agustin Giay at right-back, Exequiel Palacios in place of the suspended Enzo Fernandez, and Valentin Barco in midfield.
Scaloni also indicated he is close to extending his contract through to the 2030 World Cup following discussions with Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia, according to ESPN.
"We will always compete -- I am certain of that -- which is why I decided to stay," Scaloni added. "We see the talent coming through and the hunger to be here."
FP/R 
