Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has promised to keep Lionel Messi’s number 10 jersey free for the 2026 World Cup, should the 35-year-old decide to play on for another four years, according to The Athletic in its report.
Messi had earlier said the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was likely to be his last.
“I think we should keep the number 10 jersey prepared for the next World Cup if he (Messi) feels like playing,” Scaloni told a news conference.
“He earned the right to do whatever he wants with his career. What he transmits to his team mates is incredible. I have never seen such an influential person in the changing room.”