The football world has been thrown into chaos following a bombshell statement from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who proposed retiring the iconic number 10 jersey across all FIFA competitions as a tribute to Lionel Messi upon his retirement. The announcement, intended to honor the Argentine legend widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, has ignited a firestorm of debate, with Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland at the center of the controversy. Haaland’s visceral reaction to the proposal has sent shockwaves through social media and the global football community, prompting an immediate and explosive response from Infantino that has pushed tensions to an all-time high.

Infantino’s initial statement came during a press conference ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, where he praised Messi’s unparalleled contributions to the sport. “The number 10 is synonymous with Lionel Messi,” Infantino declared. “When he retires, we are considering retiring the number 10 in all FIFA tournaments as a permanent tribute to his legacy.” The proposal, while celebrated by Messi’s legion of fans, was met with immediate backlash from players, pundits, and supporters who view the move as an overreach by FIFA, potentially stifling future generations from embracing a number historically associated with creativity and excellence.

Erling Haaland, known for his blunt demeanor, did not hold back in his response. In a post-match interview following Manchester City’s 5-2 victory over Juventus in the Club World Cup, the Norwegian striker expressed his disbelief. “Retiring the number 10? That’s absurd,” Haaland said. “Football is about creating new legends, not locking away numbers. I respect Messi, but this is too much.” His comments, delivered with characteristic intensity, quickly went viral, sparking a polarized reaction. Supporters of Haaland praised his candor, arguing that retiring the number 10 would diminish the sport’s ability to evolve, while Messi’s fans accused him of disrespecting a living legend.

Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with hashtags like #No10Forever and #HaalandVsFIFA, as fans and analysts debated the merits of Infantino’s proposal and Haaland’s outspoken critique. Some pointed out that the number 10 has been worn by other footballing icons like Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Zinedine Zidane, making its retirement a complex and potentially divisive decision. Others argued that Haaland, as a number 9, might not fully grasp the symbolic weight of the number 10 in football culture.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino wasted no time in addressing Haaland’s remarks, escalating the situation with a fiery statement of his own. “Erling Haaland is a phenomenal talent, but his comments show a lack of understanding of what Lionel Messi means to football,” Infantino said. “This is not about closing doors but about celebrating a legacy that has inspired billions. We will continue to explore this idea with respect for all voices.” His response, while defending the proposal, was perceived by some as a direct jab at Haaland, further fueling the controversy.

The debate has raised broader questions about how football honors its legends without stifling its future. Haaland’s reaction has positioned him as a voice for the next generation, while Infantino’s stance underscores FIFA’s desire to cement Messi’s legacy in an unprecedented way. As the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 progresses, with Manchester City advancing strongly, the tension between Haaland and FIFA is unlikely to subside. The football world now watches closely to see if this clash will influence FIFA’s final decision or if it will remain a heated chapter in the sport’s ongoing narrative.