Argentina have agreed not use Lionel Messi's no. 10 in friendly matches against Guatemala and Colombia during his absence. Interim boss Lionel Scaloni and the Argentinian FA agreed to a decision and revealed that the jersey will be held back.
Messi has not been included in Scaloni squad as he has decided to step back from the international matches until he makes another announcement.
Argentina have decided to keep the iconic number 10 jersey of Argentina unused until Messi returns. There will be no number 10 in current USA tour and
upcoming friendlies unless #Messi10 returns. #SupportLeoMessi pic.twitter.com/4SfE17siDz— FC BARCELONA WORLD (@SupportLeoMessi) September 7, 2018
Some of the Argentine teammates have expressed their disappointment with the decision.
Manchester United stopper and Argentine team GK Sergio Romero revealed that he is confused with the decision and is unaware about the plans of Scaloni and the Argentinian FA.
"The No.10 jersey has always been used. I don't understand why it's not being used now. I haven't asked. I haven't inquired. I had no idea that it wasn't going to be used."
"In all the friendlies, it has always been available. Probably, for some reason, it will not be used now. I just found out."
Romero said while talking to TyC Sports.
Romero on Argentina not using no.10 in Lionel Messi's absence: "I don't understand why it's not being used now. I haven't asked. I haven't inquired. I had no idea that it wasn't going to be used." #mulive [goal]
— utdreport (@utdreport) September 7, 2018
"If Leo returns, it's normal that he is the owner of the No.10 and the captain's armband - no-one on the inside or outside has any doubt about that."
"But if it's a number that is available for a friendly and Leo is not here, then anyone can use it. We already know that if he is here, it will be his, so then there's no problem."
He added.
Some Twitter Reactions:
Argentina is right for keeping the no..10 Jersey, but they shld also no that body no be fire woods @SUGARCLYVE d spirits of messi is willing ,but the flesh is weak @Brilafm889 @nwanzekwejnr #onitsha
— Enancy jnr (@nwanzekwejnr) September 7, 2018
What does it mean? "There won't be any player as legendary in the future" ? In the 90's there was a campaign from fans in Argentina asking to retire Maradona #10. But FIFA refused. Imagine if Messi was prevented from blessing that #10 again with his talent...
— Captain Guardiola ? (@CaptnGuardiola) September 7, 2018
Today in 'stupid news'... I cannot believe this crap. Messi is the GOAT, who can doubt that! But to avoid using 'his' number 10 jersey? Stupid! https://t.co/k3qoxA3EGW
— Gabriel Almada (@lfwaterloo) September 8, 2018
Yeah I think too that jersey '10' must retire after messi
— DAVE_SA #Gunman (@MakapelaThibane) September 2, 2018
What are your thoughts on the decision?