Argentine football has just entered a period of total uncertainty following Lionel Messi’s definitive departure from the national team.

Without going any further, the November international break marks the first official call-up without the legendary captain in almost two decades.

Beyond the tactical reorganisation on the pitch, there is a symbolic dilemma that is capturing the world’s attention: who will inherit the hallowed number 10 shirt?

The number worn by Mario Kempes, Diego Maradona and Messi himself is not just another shirt number… It is a challenge that demands a personality capable of rising to the occasion.

Faced with this situation, Lionel Scaloni is confronted with a crucial decision: to rely on the weight of seniority and experience, or to hand the keys to the future to an emerging talent.

In this regard, according to reports from the country’s leading media outlets, the contest has narrowed down to two candidates with very distinct profiles: Lautaro Martínez and Nico Paz.

Lautaro Martínez: proven stature, Inter’s number 10 and Ballon d'Or experience

If the choice is based on track record, credentials and influence within the dressing room, all roads lead to the Bahía Blanca-born striker.

Lautaro Martínez is no stranger to wearing that number on his back, as he is the captain and wears the ‘10’ for a major club like Inter Milan.

Furthermore, in recent years, he has become the man for the big goals and has climbed to third place on the ‘Albiceleste’s’ all-time goalscoring list with 42 goals.

In that regard, his most decisive goals in the sky-blue and white shirt came against Colombia, securing Argentina’s second consecutive Copa América title in 2024; and against England, in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

And as if that weren’t enough, it is worth noting that, behind Messi, Lautaro is the active Argentine footballer with the most Ballon d'Or nominations in history.

'El Toro' has made five official appearances on the shortlist throughout his career and has featured once in the world’s top 10.

Lautaro Martínez’s Ballon d'Or record

  • 2021: 22nd place

  • 2023: 20th place

  • 2024: 7th place

  • 2025: 20th place

  • 2026: 22nd place

At 29 years of age and at the peak of his competitive career, ‘El Toro’ has the experience, support and footballing authority to take on the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband.

Nico Paz: a gamble on magic and the future

On the other side of the spectrum lies the option of generational renewal. Nico Paz embodies audacity, technical flair and that classic creative flair that has historically defined Argentina’s great playmakers.

The 22-year-old midfielder made a sensational breakthrough at Como in Italy, confirming his talent both in Serie A and on decisive nights in the UEFA Champions League with performances that drew praise from across Europe.

With his peripheral vision, short dribbling and exceptional shooting ability, Nico Paz embodies the characteristics of a traditional wearer of the Argentine number 10 shirt.

Handing the shirt number to a talent of his calibre would mark the starting point for a new generation as the Argentine national team looks to the future.

Now, the final say rests with Scaloni. The manager must decide who has the ideal profile to take over Messi’s number 10 at this juncture for the ‘Albiceleste’.

Lautaro Martínez or Nico Paz. Nico Paz or Lautaro Martínez. One of them will be the heir.