Lionel Messi dominated out of Argentina squad: Who might put on his iconic No. 10 towards Uruguay and Brazil?

When enthusiastic about the No. 10 jersey in Argentina’s nationwide workforce, two names instantly stand out: Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Nonetheless, with Messi dominated out of the upcoming CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers towards Uruguay and Brazil, the query arises—who will inherit the enduring quantity?

A minor adductor harm sustained throughout Inter Miami’s match towards Atlanta United has pressured Messi to withdraw from Argentina’s squad. The legendary ahead first donned the No. 10 jersey for Argentina on March 28, 2009, and over the previous 16 years, solely a choose few have worn it in his absence.

With out Messi, the No. 10 shirt has been worn by Sergio Aguero on seven events, Angel Correa thrice, and Angel Di Maria, Enzo Perez, Hector Canteros, Nicolas Gaitan, and Paulo Dybala twice every.

Moreover, it has been used simply as soon as by Federico Insua, Ariel Ortega (in his farewell match towards Haiti in 2010), Erik Lamela, Ever Banega, Javier Pastore, Lucas Mugni (who was referred to as up for a pleasant towards Brazil in 2012 however didn’t play), Maximiliano Moralez, Walter Erviti, and Walter Montillo.

Who’re the candidates to put on the No. 10?

The newest participant to put on the No. 10 moreover Messi was Paulo Dybala, who donned it throughout Argentina’s September 2024 matches towards Chile and Colombia, coming off the bench in each video games. Nonetheless, an harm to the semitendinosus tendon in his left thigh has dominated him out as properly.

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The one participant in Argentina’s present squad who has beforehand worn the No. 10 is Atletico Madrid’s Angel Correa. Nonetheless, followers on social media have floated various choices, suggesting Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and even Alexis Mac Allister—regardless of them historically carrying Nos. 9, 22, and 20, respectively.

There may be additionally the likelihood that the No. 10 stays unused. This may not be unprecedented, as Argentina has opted to not assign it on 28 events since Messi’s senior debut. With simply 4 days till the Uruguay conflict, Lionel Scaloni and his workers should determine whether or not to entrust somebody with the legendary quantity or depart it vacant.