The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced a nationwide tribute to Lionel Messi, with every fixture in the next round set to pause in the 10th minute for a one-minute ovation. The gesture is a nod to Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt and comes just two days after the Argentina captain confirmed his retirement from international football.
Messi’s decision, announced after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final, has sparked an outpouring of tributes for one of football’s greatest-ever players. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves behind a remarkable international legacy, having captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and multiple Copa America titles. The AFA’s tribute will see matches across all divisions stop briefly this weekend to honour his career and contribution to Argentine football.
Argentina to Pause Every Football Match in 10th Minute to Honour Lionel Messi
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced a special tribute for Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football. Every fixture across the country on the next matchday, including men’s and women’s games, will be stopped when the clock hits the 10th minute of the first half. A one-minute applause will then be held to recognise Messi’s contribution to the Argentina national team and the sport.
The tribute will cover all formats of the game, including 11-a-side football, futsal and beach soccer. Stadiums equipped with screens will also play a nearly two-minute farewell video before matches, featuring moments from different stages of Messi’s international career. “Thank you for uniting an entire country behind this crest. We are going to miss you,” reads the farewell message.
The farewell has already begun in Argentine football, with the Boca Juniors vs Velez fixture also pausing in the 10th minute as supporters stood to applaud the Argentina legend. The gesture comes as Messi closes the chapter on a decorated international career that began with his senior debut in 2005 and included the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph.
Javier Milei Hails Lionel Messi’s Legacy, Calls Retirement a ‘Huge Loss’ for Argentina
Argentine President Javier Milei described Messi’s retirement as a “huge loss” for the national team but said he understood the decision. Speaking on Radio El Observador, as quoted by TyC Sports, Milei said Argentina now faces the difficult task of rebuilding without its iconic captain. Paying tribute to Messi’s impact, he added, “He left us with so much magic.” He also compared losing Messi to being without “that ace of spades” in Truco, a traditional Argentine card game.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading scorer, with 203 appearances and 124 goals. His World Cup career stretched across six editions from 2006 to 2026, producing 21 goals in 34 matches. He finished second on the tournament’s all-time scoring chart behind Kylian Mbappe, who has 22 goals. At the 2026 World Cup, Messi scored eight times and supplied four assists, including his first World Cup hat-trick against Algeria, further cementing his legacy with the national team.
