Argentina will halt all men’s and women’s league matches for a minute’s applause in the 10th minute this weekend to honour Lionel Messi following his decision to retire from international football.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced the tribute on Thursday after Messi, the country’s all-time leading appearance maker and goalscorer, confirmed the end of his national team career on Monday.
An AFA statement said: “In tribute and homage to Lionel Messi’s career with the Argentina national team, at the 10th minute of play in all matches the referees will stop the game and a general minute of applause will be held. We look forward to seeing you on the fields – join us in this recognition!”
Messi, 39, won a record 207 caps and scored 125 goals for Argentina. He led the side to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, ending a long wait for the trophy, and guided them to consecutive Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Argentina reached a third successive World Cup final this year but lost 1-0 to Spain.
In his retirement statement, Messi said: “After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts – to my core, but I understand that it’s the right time.
“I swear that I always gave my all – not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that, too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football.
“There’s not much time left and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, loved, and will always love being on the national team. I’ve given everything I have; I have nothing more to give and, besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there.”
Only the late Diego Maradona is widely regarded as Messi’s equal in Argentine football folklore. The planned pause across domestic fixtures this weekend is intended as a nationwide recognition of the Barcelona and Inter Miami forward’s contribution to the national side.
