A round of applause for the captain who has said goodbye: footballers and fans across Argentina will pause matches at all levels of the game in the 10th minute this weekend to pay tribute to Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement from the national team on Monday.
The measure was arranged by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) as a tribute to the legendary number 10, who at 39 years of age has brought an end to his glorious international career with the Albiceleste.
The tribute will take place during the next match day across all men's and women's matches at all categories and all groups, AFA announced in a statement. It applies to 11-a-side football, futsal and beach football.
The one-minute pause is "recognition of Lionel Messi's career with the Argentina National Team," the statement explained.
Stadiums with big screens will show a video produced by the AFA in honour of the superstar before kick-off.
The tribute was annoucned two days after Messi brought an end to 21 years representing his country, during which he won the World Cup, two Copa América titles and the Finalissima in 2022.
The left-footer, considered by many to be the greatest footballer in history, retires as the Argentine with the most caps (207) and goals (125) for the three-time world champions.
"I emptied myself; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming through behind who deserve to be here," the star said in an emotional letter on Instagram announcing his decision.
The skipper's decision comes after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, by a single goal.
AFA's tribute adds to other initiatives launched following La Pulga's farewell.
A bill to declare Messi an "illustrious and roving ambassador of the Argentine Republic," in recognition of his career and his international profile, has been introduced to Congress.
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