Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero has admitted he is bemused by the decision not to let any other player wear the No10 jersey in Lionel Messi’s absence.

Messi, 31, reportedly has declined to be used by La Albiceleste throughout the remaining months of 2018 in the wake of their harrowing round-of-16 exit at the summer’s World Cup.

Much attention has been given to the call not to allow a compatriot of the Barcelona forward to don his fabled number for the impending games against Guatemala and Colombia. This stance has confused Manchester United shot stopper Romero.

“The No.10 jersey has always been used,” Romero told TyC Sports.

“I don’t understand why it’s not being used now. I haven’t asked. I haven’t inquired. I had no idea that it wasn’t going to be used.

“In all the friendlies, it has always been available. Probably, for some reason, it will not be used now. I just found out.”

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has lost four finals with his country. He previously retired for a brief period after losing to Chile in the 2016 Copa America decider.