There was a minor changing of the guard on Tuesday night as Franco Mastantuono unexpectedly took Lionel Messi’s No.10 shirt for Argentina’s 1-0 win over Ecuador.
Messi was absent for the World Cup qualifier, and despite football association claims that no one will wear the number after him as it will be retired, Mastantuono got the honour.
The Real Madrid youngster started the match on the bench but appeared for the second half wearing the No.10.
Messi had already shocked his country after his final home match in qualifying, suggesting he may not play at the 2026 World Cup.
“I don’t think I’ll play in another World Cup,” he said. “The most logical thing is that it won’t happen, but here we are.
“I’m hopeful and eager. But it’s day by day, game by game.”
And now Mastantuono may have the honour of replacing him, having spoken about his hero after their first outing together a match earlier.
“It was incredible to play with him. It was truly the dream of my lifetime,” he said.
“I’ve always said it, he’s my idol since I was a kid.”
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