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
