'Messi's number 10 shirt should be retired for Maradona'

4:52pm on Wednesday 2nd December 2020
By Martin Macdonald

The number 10 shirt at all of Diego Maradona's teams should be retired, including Lionel Messi's at Barcelona, according to Diego Maradona Jr.

Last week the footballing world went into mourning at the news that Maradona had passed away aged 60 after a heart attack.

Widely considered to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest player ever to feature on a football pitch, the eulogies on Maradonna were passionate and heartfelt by everyone within the game.

In one particular tribute by Marseille Andre Villas-Boas, the Portuguese head coach suggested that the number 10 shirt should be retired by every professional team in the sport as a mark of respect to Maradona.

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When asked if he thinks that would be a fitting tribute, Maradona Jr said the clubs his father played for in the past should think about it.

"In the teams that he [Maradona] played for, I believe so, including Barcelona. Without a doubt," he told Marca.

That would mean Messi losing his famous number 10 shirt at the Camp Nou. Argentina previously attempted to retire the shirt back in 2002 only for FIFA to not give them permission.

Now, Messi wears that number for the Albiceleste, too.

Maradona's fellow Argentine had his own tribute for his hero in Barcelona's weekend win over Osasuna.

After scoring a spectacular Maradonna-esque, goal, Messi took off his shirt to reveal Maradonna's Newell's Old Boys top underneath.

"It was very touching," Maradona Jr. said of Messi's gesture.

"There have been emotional days.

"What Leo did was special, very beautiful. It really touched me and made me cry, just as Napoli's, Gimnasia's and Boca's [tributes]. I feel very proud of the legacy my father left."

Napoli already retired their number 10 shirt for Maradonna 20 years ago, and could be set to rename their stadium after the legendary Argentine.

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