Where does Lionel Messi’s international retirement leave Argentina? And who wears the No 10?

Lionel Messi officially announced his retirement from international football on August 31 after a 21-year career with Argentina. The 39-year-old captain concluded his national team journey having recorded over 200 appearances, 125 goals, and 68 assists, which included leading Argentina to a 2-1 World Cup semifinal victory against England on July 15 in Atlanta.

The tournament proved to be Messi's final campaign, during which his father, Jorge, was ill before passing away on August 8 at age 68. Argentina faces significant questions regarding who will inherit Messi's No 10 shirt and whether head coach Lionel Scaloni will remain with the squad.