Who will wear Argentina's number 10 jersey after Messi, whose names are in discussion?

March 28, 2009. Lionel Messi started a new chapter for Argentina in a 4–0 win over Venezuela. On that day, he put on the number 10 jersey of the national team for the first time. In the next 17 years, that jersey and Messi became synonymous with each other.

Messi played 172 matches wearing the number 10 jersey for Argentina. Before him, legends like Diego Maradona, Juan Roman Riquelme, Ariel Ortega or Mario Kempes have increased the status of this jersey. But Messi's chapter in taking the jersey as his own for a long time and taking it to new heights of success has been the most brilliant.

In Argentina, the number 10 is not just a jersey, it symbolizes the team's creativity, leadership and expectations. The player who wears this jersey has the highest expectations of the fans. So after Messi's retirement, the biggest question is who will wear Argentina's historic number 10?

In Messi's absence, 17 players have worn the jersey in his long career. Sergio Aguero has worn the number 10 jersey the most seven times. Anhel has worn Correa five times. Again the jersey was empty for 28 matches - as if waiting for Messi to return.

Now that wait has to end. A new one has to take Messi's legacy.

Argentinian sports daily 'El Grafico' has put forward several names in the list of possible successors. Among them are Franco Mastantuono, Lautaro Martinez, Alexis McAllister, Nicolas Paz, Thiago Almada, Giovanni Lo Celso, Rodrigo Di Paul, Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Gonzales.

But not everyone is considered equally likely.

Youngster Franco Mastantuono was the last to wear the number 10 jersey in Messi's presence. The talented midfielder could be a big star of the future, but the chances of him shouldering Messi's legacy so quickly are slim.

One of the strongest candidates is Alexis McAllister. He also wears the number 10 jersey at Liverpool. His creativity in midfield, control of the ball and understanding of the game make him a perfect fit for this historic jersey.

Apart from this, the name of Enzo Fernandez is also discussed. He has not yet worn the number 10 jersey for Argentina. But Enzo is a key player in Lionel Scaloni's midfield. From building the attack to controlling the pace of the match, his role is crucial in everything.

Another possible name is Nicolas Paz. At the age of only 21 years, he started to show his talent. Paz wears the number 10 jersey at club level. Although his experience in the national team is still limited, he is seen as one of the faces of the future Argentina team.

Lautaro Martinez is not far behind. He wore the number 10 jersey at Inter Milan, as well as leading the club. He has both goal-scoring ability and leadership qualities. But the question is, after Messi, Argentina's number 10 will be on a striker again?

The final decision is definitely coach Lionel Scaloni's. Whoever he chooses, the new No. 10 will have a huge responsibility.

Because he won't just get a jersey. On his shoulders will be the weight of Argentine football history, the expectations of millions of fans and the biggest challenge—comparisons with Lionel Messi.

Who will be Argentina's number 10 after Messi, may be answered very soon. But one thing is certain—finding a successor to finish the chapter Messi has written with this jersey will not be easy.