# After Messi and Neymar, who will be next No. 10s for Brazil, Argentina?

> **Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-09-24 11:00 UTC · Category: Sports

## Executive Summary
Lionel Messi prepares for his final international appearance with Argentina, sparking questions about the future of the iconic No. 10 shirt.

## Intelligence Brief
Current sports reporting from Goal.com, RomaPress, The New York Times, AP News, and ESPN outlines a major transitional period in international football as Lionel Messi prepares for his final appearance with Argentina. Coverage details an emotional message shared by Messi regarding what he terms 'one last match' as the national team faces an impending farewell. Alongside this milestone, media outlets report the return of prominent players such as Mbappé, Lamal, and Ronaldo following the World Cup, while club-level friction emerges, with Roma actively opposing the attendance of Dybala and Molina for Messi's concluding games. Coverage heavily emphasizes the broader structural implications for South American football powerhouses. Outlets like ESPN and The New York Times focus the discussion on the future succession of the legendary No. 10 jersey for both Argentina and Brazil, raising questions about who will ultimately step into these coveted roles following the eventual departures of both Messi and Neymar.


The reports outline the logistical and emotional weight carried by these national squads as they navigate a landscape without their long-standing talismanic figures, detailing how clubs and national federations intersect during these high-profile farewell fixtures. Contextual analysis provided across the articles situates this moment as the end of an era for global soccer. The impending international retirement of Messi marks a definitive turning point for Argentina's tactical identity and cultural footprint on the world stage. Coverage does not yet specify the permanent successors designated by team managers, but the reports establish that the national team must fundamentally rethink its roster composition and leadership dynamics. The historical significance of the No. 10 shirt further amplifies the scrutiny surrounding the selection of subsequent players.


Looking ahead, ongoing coverage will monitor the execution of Messi's final matches and how the Argentine squad adapts to the immediate post-retirement environment. Observers and analysts will track any official announcements regarding roster decisions, club-versus-country release disputes involving players like Dybala and Molina, and initial indications from coaching staff regarding candidate selections for the vacant or newly inherited tactical roles. Future reporting will likewise document how rival nations and upcoming tournaments adjust to this generational shift in international football.

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|
| Goal.com | 'One last match' - Lionel Messi shares emotional message as Argentina prepare for his final appearance | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi0wFBVV95cUxQRDFQbmZKU2RQak1CSzJOM0xDTEZkeTBtMWFZVXhLQVZNbmxSSG1SU2d5MzdDRm9pNWFacHB5UFhVTmVjQ1JlQXNDOHZ5MGRMcHF6TFlRb1M3ZzJJanZRemtaMldhbWFhbncwZVpVdU1KOWpLTVBLaDQwaE9JRkRTSGVVa1VuSS1wZjlsQ19tbDRnVkUyZ1lDQ1VraU8yWHVrTzJNZnlfdFpTTnBYdWZhODBpWFhxbGwtNE5XMnk0Y05Fb2lFMTBIUkVSNU1hX2h1d0RV?oc=5) |
| RomaPress | Roma oppose Dybala and Molina’s attendance for Messi’s last games with Argentina | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiowFBVV95cUxPWEM1eWk0d2dRTzdlRnZOUTRGLXphRHk1ek9zaUxOdV8xQVhGdE1la0F3TUR4MWJhdGhEbXJxY2otZFRMNjZ1TkNwNGxITDNaM19kM2JsNzdYN09tMFlWX0xIZ3ZaODF1eXZ5SjBXYkFrTGx6M091amNSZzZnZUlha3RqTHAzbXFKRzlFYlhYRGNZTnZuQkZydndrLUpoV1FhR2Nz?oc=5) |
| The New York Times | Where does Lionel Messi’s international retirement leave Argentina? And who wears the No 10? | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimAFBVV95cUxNdHBfX0c3bnVKbUNuMEYxY3VrNkpwWDJnMkRVcjJaQV9wVnRPVVYyUXQ4YXhmc2h1LUR3UGVyMnNnUTlfTHdSbktHa1c1NWlnTEVJNkFabFo4QWNiSHhvTDB4WkV2SFBGVEF2MFBRVk0yUUQ1QVBLaUpnbFNlNGRCWWM2WXAtTDVrVDkwU3RYUFN5S2lKMzBYdg?oc=5) |
| AP News | Messi set for Argentina farewell. Mbappé, Lamal and Ronaldo return after World Cup | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinwFBVV95cUxNQzdHb0JQMHFDZG1HcUNvNWJuZWxXTGRaa05ObFBKOWhpV0NiMnNndmM5S1VKMmNRWDdvTE1SS2pCbW1xb0RlTmFNRjItbEo1N1FPMlJrX0N3MUppTlM5eHgwS1ZFaEdUdVE0bTNXQmxfbnY3UGJPdk1iclI1cDJ2cHZKcHhnTWdRa0tGNDgwNVZieDRXYkdqY3l0aE9kLWM?oc=5) |
| ESPN | After Messi and Neymar, who will be next No. 10s for Brazil, Argentina? | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqgFBVV95cUxOQ0lCN2NVT1d2UmZqOUUwNnNxbFNfNk8zWnJ2N3BFY3NKdkRsSEpqWXBSZk12ZmFXZ2FSdkFmRmp3LWRvcmh3aXc3d29YblZjSlgxQVhfQlVaRGFQNVFGR2UzX3dISWlmVTJnVThGMGFfTXJpaDkzN0Z4aEw2QVF3SWxScS1VSk11OTNxclRWY1VNMU5fckU1aFVoc0s2QUdDLU5EY2dPTEk2Zw?oc=5) |

---
*Canonical Source: https://pulse.byoviral.com/trend/2026-09-24/after-messi-and-neymar-who-will-be-next-no-10s-for-brazil-argentina*