AFA to honor Lionel Messi with applause in 10th minute of all matches

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced a unique tribute to Lionel Messi, Argentina's number 10 player and captain, as he announces his retirement from the national team. Starting from Monday, all matches across the country's 11-a-side soccer, futsal, and beach soccer divisions will pause for a minute at the 10th minute of the first half, allowing fans and players to applaud in his honor.

This comes less than two months after Messi led the Albiceleste to their second consecutive World Cup Final, which they ultimately lost to Spain. Messi, who is Argentina's all-time leading scorer, announced his decision to retire from the national team on August 31 in an emotional Instagram post. In a heartfelt letter, he revealed that his retirement was finalized on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, and was further influenced by his father's death on August 8.

Fans are also hoping for a farewell match featuring Messi in the number 10 jersey, aiming to erase memories of his emotional loss in the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. Throughout his career, Messi has scored 125 goals and provided 68 assists in 207 matches, winning multiple runner-up finishes and titles, including the 2022 World Cup.