Claudio Tapia, the President of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), has expressed his wish to retire the number 10 jersey from the national team following Lionel Messi’s retirement.

However, this homage would not align with FIFA regulations.

During a press conference on Saturday, Tapia expressed his intent to retire the number 10 jersey in the national team after Messi’s illustrious career.

Having served as the captain of Argentina during the triumphant 2022 World Cup match against France, Lionel Messi also secured victory in the Copa America in 2021.

The 2022 triumph solidified his status as the greatest of all time in many people’s eyes, and he could now get a tribute even the legendary Diego Maradona never managed.

Tapia said: “When Messi finishes his international football career, no one else will be allowed to don the number 10 jersey after him.

“It will be retired for life as a tribute to him. It’s the least we can do in his honour.”