Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz has emerged as the frontrunner to wear the number 10 shirt for Argentina following Lionel Messi's international retirement.
The 21-year-old player has not yet been officially announced as the new owner of the jersey, but broadcaster ESPN reports that he is the leading candidate for the role. The outcome depends largely on whether head coach Lionel Scaloni remains in charge of the national team.
The number 10 shirt carries immense weight in Argentine football history. It is regarded as the country's most iconic sports jersey after being worn by legendary World Cup winners Diego Armando Maradona and Lionel Messi.
Breakthrough season in Italy
Paz built his reputation last season by leading Italian club Como to a fourth-place finish in Serie A. The strong league performance earned the club a place in the UEFA Champions League, Europe's top club competition.
The attacking midfielder developed through the youth ranks at Spanish club Real Madrid before moving to Italy. Inter Milan attempted to sign Paz during the summer transfer window, but Como bought his rights outright from Real Madrid to secure his services.
European fixtures and international future
Como will play in the League Phase of the Champions League this season. Their European fixtures will include a match against Greek club AEK Athens.
ESPN described Paz as a playmaker who combines spectacle with on-field effectiveness, noting that he has a long career ahead of him. If Scaloni remains on the Argentina bench, Paz is expected to inherit the famous shirt that Maradona and Messi turned into a global symbol.
Argentina's national team is administered by the Argentine Football Association, and the number 10 shirt has traditionally been assigned to the team's primary playmaker. Following Messi's departure, the selection of a successor represents a major transition for the team.
