Romero Names Julian Álvarez as Messi’s Successor for Argentina’s Iconic No.10
New captain weighs in on the future of the legendary shirt
With Lionel Messi having hung up his boots for the national side, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is still searching for a player worthy of the famed No. 10 jersey. The task of naming a successor has now been taken up by the team’s new skipper, centre‑back Cristian Romero, who has publicly suggested that his club teammate Julian Álvarez should inherit the mantle.
Why Álvarez stands out
In an interview with the YouTube channel Los Edul, Romero explained that his choice goes beyond pure footballing talent. He highlighted Álvarez’s modest demeanor, his strong family values and the respect he commands off the pitch. "He embodies the qualities you need to wear that number – humility, a good character and a solid work ethic," the defender said, adding that these traits are as important as technical ability when representing the country.
A different idea that couldn’t be realised
Romero admitted that his first instinct was to keep the number out of circulation altogether, proposing a symbolic gesture such as a mural at the AFA headquarters. However, he quickly realised that the plan was impractical under current regulations. FIFA mandates that official squad lists for tournaments like the World Cup and Copa América must contain a continuous sequence of numbers from 1 to 26, meaning the No. 10 cannot be left vacant in any competitive match.
The regulatory hurdle
The same rule blocked an earlier attempt by Argentina to retire the number in honour of Diego Maradona before the 2002 World Cup. FIFA rejected the request, insisting that every player on a tournament roster must be assigned a number within the prescribed range. Consequently, the shirt continued to be worn by successive generations, eventually becoming synonymous with Messi.
Other names in the conversation
While Romero’s endorsement of Álvarez is clear, he also acknowledged that other candidates are being discussed. Local media have pointed to Como midfielder Nico Paz as a possible contender for the iconic number. At present, no official decision has been announced, and the debate remains open.
Álvarez’s reaction
Romero revealed that he has approached the forward on several occasions about the prospect of taking over the No. 10, but Álvarez appears hesitant. "I’ve mentioned it many times, but he prefers to keep the number he currently wears," Romero said, noting that the striker may still need time to feel ready for the responsibility.
What the next steps could look like
Should the AFA decide to follow Romero’s suggestion, Álvarez would likely receive the number for upcoming friendlies and, eventually, for competitive fixtures. However, any official change will have to be reflected in the squad registration submitted to FIFA for tournaments, ensuring compliance with the numbering rule.
Conclusion
The search for a worthy heir to Messi’s No. 10 continues to captivate Argentine fans. Romero’s public support for Julian Álvarez adds a strong voice to the conversation, emphasizing character as much as talent. While the regulatory framework prevents the jersey from being retired, it also ensures that the next player to wear it will do so on the biggest stages, keeping the legacy of the number alive for another generation of La Albiceleste.
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