Argentina League to Pause Matches to Honour Messi

The Argentine football league will temporarily suspend all matches during the 10th minute of play to honor Lionel Messi for his impending retirement from international football. Messi, a 39-year-old eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, announced his decision to end his national team career on Monday. His final appearance for Argentina occurred in the 2026 World Cup final, a loss to Spain in July 2022.

The Argentine Football Association announced that referees will halt play for a minute of applause at the 10th minute in all upcoming matches, paying tribute to Messi's illustrious career with the national team. Messi, who holds the record for the most appearances for Argentina with 207 caps, previously retired from international football in 2016 following a Copa America final defeat by Chile, where he missed a penalty in the shootout.

Before his retirement, Messi had won multiple World Cup and Copa America titles with Argentina, scoring a remarkable 125 goals. He made his international debut in 2005 as a substitute and has never played senior club football in his home country. Messi, who currently plays in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, has expressed consideration for his future in football following his father's death.