Argentina to honor Lionel Messi with 10th-minute tribute

Argentina will honor Lionel Messi with a 10-minute pause in matches across all men's and women's divisions during this weekend's soccer games. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced that a minute of applause will be observed in the 10th minute of the first half to recognize Messi's career with the national team. The 39-year-old star, who wore the No. 10 jersey extensively while representing Argentina, has scored 125 goals in 139 international matches, including eight goals in eight World Cup matches.

Messi announced his retirement from the national team on Monday, expressing that it was a decision that brought him both pain and pride. He wrote on Instagram that he had always given his all for the shirt, contributing to Argentina's victories in the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Messi's retirement marks a second farewell to international play; he previously announced his departure after the 2016 Copa America final loss to Chile. However, he opted to return and lead Argentina to glory.

The Inter Miami forward, a nine-time Ballon d'Or winner, currently plays for his fourth season with the MLS club. Last year, he helped Miami secure its maiden MLS Cup title and was named league MVP for the second consecutive season. Messi's legacy in Argentine soccer is cemented as he ends his international career.