Argentina is prioritizing the assignment of the No. 10 jersey to Lionel Messi, following his last game for the national team. Initially, Scaloni stated that the jersey is unassigned, and the coach is considering the future of the team’s strategy. The team will host Bolivia in a friendly on Wednesday, and Scaloni has emphasized that the core of the team’s style will continue to focus on ball control. Despite avoiding the starting lineup confirmation, Scaloni alluded to changing the team’s formation. Ágmentín Giay is starting at right-back, Exequiel Palacios is replacing Enzo Fernández (following his red card in the final), and Valentín Barco is in as a midfield player. Scaloni confirmed that no player will wear the number 10 for the foreseeable future, with Messi’s jersey being reallocated when he departs. The focus is on experimentation, and the coach indicated that the future of the team’s tactics will be adjusted following Messi’s farewell match in Buenos Aires, which will take place in October.
Source: ESPN Soccer
