Argentina’s football authorities have announced a nationwide tribute to Lionel Messi following the superstar’s decision to retire from international football.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) said all football matches across the country this weekend will be paused in the 10th minute of the first half for a 60-second round of applause in honour of Messi’s international career.
The tribute will apply across men’s and women’s divisions and disciplines.
“For the upcoming matchday across all men’s and women’s divisions and disciplines, matches will be paused in the 10th minute of the first half for a minute of applause in recognition of Lionel Messi’s career with the Argentina national team,” the AFA announced late Wednesday.
The 10th-minute tribute reflects Messi’s long association with the iconic No. 10 shirt, which he has worn more than any other number during his Argentina career.
The AFA also directed stadiums equipped with screens to broadcast an institutional video dedicated to Messi before matches begin.
Messi, 39, announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday after leading the country to a runner-up finish at this summer’s World Cup.
He scored eight goals in eight matches at the tournament, taking his international tally to 125 goals, including 21 at World Cups.
“After the time that passed since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to communicate to everyone that I am retiring from the national team,” Messi wrote on Instagram on Monday.
“It was a decision that hurt and hurts in a soul, but I understand that this is the moment. I swear to you that I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before as well and I always fought and left everything on the field for this shirt, to give you all joys and make you feel proud to be Argentines through soccer.”
The announcement marks Messi’s second retirement from international football.
He first announced his retirement after Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America final to Chile, but later reversed the decision.
His return proved historic as he helped Argentina win the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles before ending the country’s 36-year wait for a World Cup trophy in 2022.
Messi has not said whether his decision to leave the national team will also mark the end of his Major League Soccer career.
“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you — along with my teammates — moments we once only dreamed of. Experiencing this with you was incredible. I love you all,” he said.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently in his fourth season with Inter Miami.
Last season, Messi helped the club win its first MLS Cup championship and claimed the league’s MVP award for a second consecutive campaign.
