A South American journalist has called for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister to inherit Argentina’s legendary No.10 shirt following Lionel Messi’s emotional farewell to international football.
Messi brought his remarkable 21-year international career to an end on Tuesday night, making his 208th and final appearance for Argentina in a 3-0 victory over Benin in Buenos Aires.
The legendary forward bowed out in memorable fashion, finding the net before being overcome with emotion at the final whistle. His teammates and supporters paid tribute to a player whose extraordinary achievements have helped define an era of Argentine football.
With Messi’s international chapter now closed, attention is beginning to turn towards the question of who should carry the iconic No.10 shirt into the next generation.
Journalist Names Mac Allister as Messi’s Ideal Successor
Ernesto Provitilo, a reporter for Argentine sports outlet TyC Sports, has put forward Mac Allister as a potential successor to Messi, describing the Liverpool midfielder as a fitting candidate to inherit one of football’s most prestigious shirt numbers.
Following Argentina’s victory over Benin, Provitilo awarded every player a perfect 10/10 rating in recognition of Messi’s farewell. However, his most significant comment concerned the future of the national team’s famous No.10 jersey.
He highlighted the close relationship between Messi and Mac Allister, arguing that the midfielder’s development at international level had benefited from playing alongside the Argentina captain.
Provitilo also pointed to Mac Allister’s contribution to Argentina’s unforgettable 2022 World Cup final victory over France, particularly his involvement in the move that led to Ángel Di María’s goal.
The journalist subsequently suggested that the Liverpool star should be considered for the shirt, although he made clear that the proposal represented his personal opinion rather than an official decision by the Argentine Football Association.
Why Mac Allister Could Be a Worthy Successor
Inheriting Messi’s No.10 shirt would be an enormous responsibility for any player. The number has become inseparable from the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar, who led Argentina to Copa América glory and the 2022 World Cup.
However, Mac Allister possesses qualities that could make him a compelling candidate.
The 27-year-old played an important role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph and has established himself as a technically gifted midfielder capable of influencing matches through his passing, movement and ability to contribute in the final third.
His partnership with Messi was particularly effective during Argentina’s run to the World Cup title. Mac Allister’s intelligent movement and ability to connect midfield with attack helped create the space and opportunities that allowed the captain to flourish.
At Liverpool, the midfielder has also demonstrated his quality with a combination of composure, creativity and occasional spectacular goals. His performances have reinforced his reputation as one of the most accomplished midfielders in the squad.
Although the No.10 shirt is traditionally associated with creative forwards and attacking playmakers, Mac Allister’s versatility and understanding of the game could make him an intriguing option.
Could Liverpool’s No.10 Also Become Argentina’s No.10?
Mac Allister currently wears the No.10 shirt for Liverpool, while he has traditionally represented Argentina in the No.20 jersey.
Taking the same number into international football would create a memorable connection between his club and country careers. It would also represent a significant personal honour, particularly given the legendary players who have worn Argentina’s No.10 shirt before him.
Football history is filled with iconic shirt-number partnerships, from Pelé’s No.10 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s No.7 to Steven Gerrard’s No.8 at Liverpool. Messi’s association with Argentina’s No.10, however, has reached a particularly special level following his international achievements.
Mac Allister would inevitably face comparisons with his former captain if he were handed the number. Nevertheless, he would not need to replicate Messi’s extraordinary career to make the shirt his own.
Instead, he would have the opportunity to help shape Argentina’s next era while building on the success of the generation that delivered the country’s long-awaited World Cup triumph.
Argentina Must Decide Who Takes Over
Argentina cannot simply retire the No.10 shirt from use at major international tournaments, meaning the number will eventually be assigned to another player.
Whether Mac Allister ultimately receives it remains uncertain, and Provitilo’s suggestion should not be mistaken for confirmation of Argentina’s plans.
Other attacking talents could also enter the conversation as the national team prepares for life after Messi. The eventual decision will likely depend on the coaching staff’s plans, the squad’s leadership structure and the player considered best suited to carrying such a historic symbol.
For now, Mac Allister has received a significant endorsement from an Argentine journalist who believes the Liverpool midfielder deserves consideration for the honour.
Following years of playing alongside Messi and contributing to Argentina’s greatest recent achievements, inheriting the No.10 shirt would be a fitting recognition of Mac Allister’s importance to the national team.
It remains to be seen whether Argentina will follow that suggestion, but the prospect of Liverpool’s No.10 becoming the next holder of Messi’s iconic international shirt is certainly an intriguing one.
