Dhaka, Sept. 30 -- Argentina will step into the post-Lionel Messi era without their iconic No. 10 jersey on display, as manager Lionel Scaloni opts to leave the shirt unassigned for Wednesday's friendly against Bolivia in Cordoba, ESPN reports.

Messi, 39, announced his international retirement in late August following a stellar career that yielded 125 goals in 207 appearances for La Albiceleste, alongside 21 goals across six World Cup tournaments.

His final bow will take place on Oct 6 against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

"We aren't obligated to assign it for these matches, so we won't give it to anyone until Leo's farewell game," Scaloni said during Tuesday's press conference at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium. "T...