Argentina captain Cristian Romero has backed Julián Álvarez to take over Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt, although head coach Lionel Scaloni has yet to decide who will wear the iconic number.
Speaking on the Argentine programme Los Edul, Romero explained why he believes Álvarez would be a suitable successor and revealed that the Atlético Madrid forward has shown little interest in giving up his current shirt number.
Why Romero Wants Álvarez To Inherit Messi’s No. 10
Romero did not immediately name a successor when asked about Messi’s shirt.
According to El Destape’s report of the interview, the Argentine captain initially suggested retiring the number and honouring Messi with a mural at the Argentine Football Association (AFA), so no other player would have to carry the responsibility.
"To be honest, I would retire the number 10, put up a mural at the AFA headquarters, and leave it at that, so nobody has to carry that responsibility. But that’s not possible, so I don’t know."
He later acknowledged that retiring the shirt was not a practical option and made his preference clear.
“I would give it to Juli,” Romero said. "Of course, everyone has their own opinion. I see him as someone who has that profile: humble, family-oriented, and a good guy."
Romero’s choice was based partly on Álvarez’s character. He described the forward as humble and family-oriented, qualities he believes would suit the responsibility of wearing one of Argentina’s most significant shirt numbers.
There is one complication, however. Romero said he had suggested the idea to Álvarez more than once, but the striker preferred to keep his current number. Álvarez wears No. 9 for Argentina and also wore it at the 2026 World Cup.
Álvarez has not publicly responded to Romero’s latest comments.
Nico Paz is also in the conversation
Romero’s endorsement is not the only reported suggestion for Messi’s successor. In September, ESPN Argentina journalist Federico Bueno reported that Scaloni had settled on Como midfielder Nico Paz, subject to the coach renewing his contract.
Scaloni had previously indicated that he wanted another player to wear Messi’s iconic shirt. Messi’s farewell match came on 6 October, when Argentina beat Benin 3–0 at the Monumental Stadium. It marked the end of his international career, which spanned 208 appearances.
Argentina’s next matches are friendlies against Uruguay on 13 November and Costa Rica on 17 November. Scaloni could leave the shirt unassigned if he is not ready to name a successor.
For now, Álvarez has Romero’s backing, while Paz has also featured in reports about the coach’s preference. Neither player has been officially named Messi’s successor.
