Ex-MLS star to take Lionel Messi's No.10 shirt for Argentina's final 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador after talismanic captain granted rest

Lionel Messi will play no part in Argentina’s World Cup qualifier with Ecuador, meaning that his No.10 shirt will be passed to Thiago Almada.

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WHAT HAPPENED?
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi took in an emotional outing for his country against Venezuela. Said contest is expected to be his last competitive appearance for the Albiceleste on home soil.

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If that is to be the case, then he bowed out in style by bagging a brace in a 3-0 win. No risks will be taken on his fitness against Ecuador as Argentina have already booked their place at next summer’s World Cup.
DID YOU KNOW?
That is good news for Inter Miami, who want to see their talismanic captain returned to South Florida in full working order. Lionel Scaloni is happy to hand the all-time great a rest, with questions still being asked of whether he will grace the 2026 World Cup finals.

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In Messi’s absence, somebody else needs to step up into the fabled No.10 playmaking post. According to ESPN, that responsibility will be handed to Almada. The 24-year-old, who starred in MLS for Atlanta United, is now in La Liga with Atletico Madrid.
WHAT NEXT?
He has just 11 senior caps for his country, but did form part of their triumphant squad at Qatar 2022. Almada is trusted with providing the kind of creativity that ensures Messi is not missed.

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