Argentina will be without Lionel Messi for the foreseeable future.

The 31-year-old, who has faced serious heartbreak on the international stage, is taking an indefinite break from the national team.

It comes after Argentina’s frustrating World Cup campaign, in which they exited at the round-of-16 stage after barely making it out of the group.

It was a step back for the South American nation, who reached the final in 2014.

And it continued a run of frustrating international tournaments for Messi.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has lost four finals with his country. He even retired for a brief period after losing to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final.

His latest sabbatical is seen as a chance to let Messi rest, but there is no guarantee he will return.

What's being done with Messi's shirt

Argentina are desperate that he will come back, though. They haven’t allowed any of the players called up to the squad for upcoming friendlies against Guatemala and Colombia to take his No.10 shirt.

Per Spanish newspaper Sport, “it's recognition of [Messi’s] delivery and love for the white and blue, a nod to him that his place is ready for him when he wants to come back.”

Yet the decision to now allow any other player to wear the No.10 shirt has bemused Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

"The No.10 jersey has always been used,” Romerto told TyC Sports, per Goal.

"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."

Romero continued: "If Leo returns, it's normal that he is the owner of the No.10 and the captain's armband - no one on the inside or outside has any doubt about that.

"But if it's a number that is available for a friendly and Leo is not here, then anyone can use it. We already know that if he is here, it will be his, so then there's no problem."

Argentina must do everything they can to convince Messi to return.

If that means keeping his No.10 shirt out of the hands of everyone else, so be it.