It was in the 4-0 victory over Venezuela in 2009 that Lionel Messi first used the iconic number 10 shirt on the Argentina team.
March 28 marks 15 years since Lionel Messi first wore the number 10 shirt for the senior Argentina team. The best player in the world made his debut in that shirt true to his greatness. He was the main character with the opening goal in the 4-0 victory over Venezuela.

The person who gave La Pulga the number 10 shirt was none other than Diego Armando Maradona, then the national team coach. Additionally, this is the first time Messi has played on the right wing in Argentina, like at Barcelona.

Messi with Argentina’s number 10 shirt in 2009

Two days after the match, in an exclusive interview with Ole newspaper, Messi shared: “I was surprised when Diego gave me the number 10. I didn’t expect it because I also said I didn’t care.” to shirt number. It was very special because he decided without me asking. He told me: ‘You will wear my number 10 shirt on the team’.”

When asked “Do you have any other dreams?”, Messi replied: “Of course. To continue in this way with the national team and be able to perform in each match like I did with Venezuela. I want to continue growing with this entire team. There is nothing more beautiful than the national team continuing to play great matches.”

2005: 0 goals in 5 matches

2006: 2 goals in 7 matches

2007: 6 goals in 14 matches

2008: 2 goals in 8 matches

2009: 3 goals in 10 matches

2010: 2 goals in 10 matches

2011: 4 goals in 13 matches

2012: 12 goals in 9 matches

2013: 6 goals in 7 matches

2014: 8 goals in 14 matches

2016: 8 goals in 11 matches

2017: 4 goals in 7 matches

2018: 4 goals in 5 matches

2019: 5 goals in 10 matches

2020: 1 goal in 4 matches

2021: 9 goals in 16 matches

2022: 18 goals in 14 matches

2023: 4 goals in 2 matches

Total: 102 goals in 174 matches