Lionel Messi Sits Out Ecuador Match as Thiago Almada Gets the Golden Honor of Wearing Argentina’s No. 10

Well, well, well. The football world collectively held its breath when news broke that Lionel Messi wouldn’t be gracing the pitch for Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Ecuador. But hey, when you’re an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner who just delivered an emotional farewell performance on home soil with a brilliant brace against Venezuela, I guess you’ve earned the right to put your feet up for a match or two.

So who gets the privilege—no, the absolute honor—of filling those impossibly large boots? Enter Thiago Almada, the 24-year-old midfielder who’s about to discover what it feels like to carry the weight of an entire nation’s expectations on his shoulders. No pressure, right?

Why Messi Deserves This Break (And Why It Makes Perfect Sense)

Let’s be brutally honest here. Messi has been carrying Argentina on his back for what feels like an eternity. After his potentially final competitive appearance on Argentine soil—where he scored twice in a commanding 3-0 victory over Venezuela—the man has earned every second of rest coming his way.

Argentina has already secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup, so why risk injury to their greatest asset? Coach Lionel Scaloni isn’t stupid. He knows Inter Miami wants their talismanic captain back in South Florida in one piece, not hobbling around with some unnecessary knock from a meaningless qualifier.

The decision also makes sense from a tactical standpoint. Messi isn’t getting any younger, and with questions swirling about whether he’ll even participate in the 2026 World Cup finals, every opportunity to rest those aging legs is precious. It’s called squad management, folks—something Argentina has gotten pretty good at since their World Cup triumph.

Almada Steps Into Football’s Most Sacred Jersey

Now, about Thiago Almada wearing the No. 10 shirt. Talk about stepping into the spotlight with a thousand suns blazing down on you. This isn’t just any jersey number we’re talking about—this is the number that Messi has made synonymous with footballing excellence for over a decade.

Almada, currently plying his trade at Atletico Madrid after his successful stint with Atlanta United in MLS, isn’t exactly a household name yet. With just 11 senior caps for his country, he’s still building his international reputation. But here’s the thing—he was part of that triumphant World Cup squad in Qatar 2022, so he knows what it takes to perform on the biggest stage.

The kid has worn the No. 10 at youth level for Argentina, which suggests the coaching staff sees something special in him. Still, there’s a massive difference between wearing it for the U-20s and donning it in Messi’s absence during a senior international match.

The Pressure Cooker Almada Is About to Enter

Let’s not sugarcoat this—Almada is walking into a pressure cooker that would make most players break out in cold sweats. Argentine fans don’t just expect excellence when someone wears the No. 10; they demand it. They’ve been spoiled by watching Messi work magic in that jersey for years.

The expectations aren’t just about scoring goals or providing assists. It’s about leadership, creativity, and that intangible quality that separates good players from legends. Messi doesn’t just wear the No. 10—he embodies everything it represents in Argentine football culture.

Almada will need to channel every ounce of confidence he’s built up during his time in MLS and now in La Liga. The good news? Argentina’s qualifying campaign has been relatively stress-free, with their World Cup spot already locked up. If there was ever a time to experiment with giving someone else the No. 10, this would be it.