Two days ago, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team. After 21 years with La Albiceleste and four trophies won, the legend has decided to step aside and let the others take the centre stage.And even though it's pretty clear that no one can replace arguably the best player in football history, a successor will have to be found for some of his roles.Cristian Romero has already been tipped to become the new team captain, and the latest information from Argentina has exclusively revealed who will become Messi's heir as La Albiceleste's No. 10.The end: Messi says goodbye to ArgentinaAnd for a country that has seen legends like Alfredo Di Stefano, Mario Kempes, Diego Maradona, Ariel Ortega, Pablo Aimar, Juan Roman Riquelme, and, of course, Lionel Messi wear this iconic number, the identity of the next "maestro" is of immense significance.The answer to this question of national importance has been revealed exclusively by ESPN Argentina insider Federico Bueno, and it's safe to say that many are stunned.Even though one of the experienced internationals, such as Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, or Lautaro Martinez, might have been expected to inherit the shirt, Bueno claims it will be none other than Nico Paz – the youngster who made his Argentina debut two years ago and has made just 11 appearances so far!🇦🇷 "SI SCALONI RENUEVA, NICO PAZ USARÁ LA 10 DE LA SELECCIÓN ARGENTINA"@FedeBueno73 y todos los detalles del posible sucesor del número histórico en la Albiceleste. ▶️ Mirá #ESPNEquipoF en el Plan Premium de #DisneyPlus pic.twitter.com/vUaWWtUDzi— ESPN Argentina (@ESPNArgentina) September 2, 2026 The only condition is Lionel Scaloni's stay in the national team dugout, though the 48-year-old is very close to signing a contract extension."If Scaloni renews as Argentina's coach, which is expected to be negotiated in the coming months, the No. 10 shirt will go to Nico Paz. This has already been decided internally and is being taken very seriously," Bueno revealed, as quoted by Goal.com.If this information is accurate, it will be interesting to see how it is received in Argentina. Either way, Scaloni has the final say, and if he opted for Paz, then Paz it is.##NAJAVA_MECA_9932839##