{
  "id": 5279433,
  "title": "Argentina FA to pause all games in 10th minute for Messi tribute",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/argentina-fa-to-pause-all-games-in-10th-minute-for-messi-tribute-5279433",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-03T08:10:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/argentina-fa-to-pause-all-games-in-10th-minute-for-messi-tribute/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced that all matches in its men's and women's competitions will pause in the 10th minute for a one-minute tribute to Lionel Messi. This gesture aims to honor Messi's exceptional career with the Argentine national team. The applause will be a symbolic nod to the No. 10 shirt that Messi has worn throughout his international career. The AFA stated, \"Every game will stop in the 10th minute for a minute of applause in recognition of Lionel Messi’s career with the Argentina national team.\" This tribute recognizes Messi's legacy and contributions to the national team over the years. Messi has had a historic career with Argentina, leading the team to significant international achievements and earning a reputation as one of the greatest players in the country's football history. The minute-long applause is expected to create a special moment during the matches, allowing supporters throughout Argentina to come together and celebrate Messi's achievements.",
  "summary": "The Argentina FA will pause all men’s and women’s games in the 10th minute for a minute of applause to honor Lionel Messi’s legacy and career. Read More: https://punchng.com/argentina-fa-to-pause-all-games-in-10th-minute-for-messi-tribute/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Argentina FA to pause all games in 10th minute for Messi tribute",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/argentina-fa-to-pause-all-games-in-10th-minute-for-messi-tribute",
        "published": "2026-09-03T08:04:29.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Argentine league to pause games to honour Messi",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/argentine-league-to-pause-games-to-honour-messi",
        "published": "2026-09-03T08:42:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}