After Messi: Argentina's next test is the No. 10 role (2026)

Argentina's first post-Messi question is already practical: who takes the playmaker role, and does Lionel Scaloni stay to manage the transition? The latest Associated Press report says Argentina will plan friendlies for late September, October and November while the replacement debate begins. 1

What changed in Argentina

Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia called Messi "the captain of our dreams" after Messi announced his international retirement. Tapia also described Messi as a player who made the impossible feel possible and as a leader who stayed with the national team through difficult periods. ESPN published Tapia's response on Sept. 1 at 17:35 in Asia/Shanghai. 2

The response adds an institutional farewell to Messi's own announcement. Messi leaves Argentina as the team's record scorer and appearance holder, with 125 goals in 207 matches. His final national-team appearance was the 2026 World Cup final. 3

The first candidates for the No. 10 role

The AP report names Nico Paz and Thiago Almada among the young options for the playmaker role Messi occupied. Paz was named Serie A's best midfielder last season with Como. Almada recently moved from Atlético Madrid to River Plate. Both players shared the pitch with Messi at the 2026 World Cup. 1

Argentina already has a workable plan for matches without Messi. AP reports that Scaloni has paired Julián Álvarez with Lautaro Martínez and used Almada or Paz in the No. 10 position when Messi was absent during more than 20 international matches. Argentina kept a winning record across that stretch. 1

Confirmed vs. still open

Confirmed

Scaloni is expected to return to Buenos Aires in the coming days to plan friendlies in late September, October and November. 1
Argentina's next friendlies will be the first preparation matches after Messi's retirement. 1

Still open

The opponents for those friendlies remain unconfirmed. 1
Scaloni has hinted that he may step down after Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain. His contract runs through December. 1
Argentina's long-term No. 10 choice remains open between the current candidates and the team's wider young core. 1

Messi's international career has moved from farewell to transition. The next meaningful signals will come from Scaloni's December decision, the friendly schedule, and the player Argentina gives the No. 10 shirt.