Argentina will not give anyone else the No10 jersey in the hope it convinces Lionel Messi to continue his international career, according to reports.
Messi has not committed to carrying on for the national team after their poor World Cup but it is understood the Argentina FA and interim coach Lionel Scaloni are desperate for him to stay.
He wore the No19 at the 2006 World Cup but has worn the famous No10 for the last three, captaining the side in Brazil and Russia and playing under legendary No10 Diego Maradonain 2010.
But after a bitterly disappointing tournament this summer, Messi may decide enough is enough and concentrate on his club football with Barcelona.
Mundo Deportivo believe Scaloni and AFA President Claudio Tapia are trying to give Messi space, not pressurising him into a decision, and leaving the No10 jersey free was a wise move.
International team-mate Sergio Romero, who missed the World Cup through injury, said: “I’m sure that if I call each of the bigger boys, everyone will tell me that they want to return to the national team.
“We will do everything possible to return and bring your experience. Imagine what we could put together with that experience and the hierarchy that these guys bring.
“I hope that tomorrow Leo and the others will bite the bug and return to play for Argentina.”
Argentina crashed out to champions France in the Round of 16 after finishing second in Group D behind finalists Croatia.