The Argentine football league will pause all domestic matches in the 10th minute this weekend to honor Lionel Messi's international career. The tribute comes after the 39-year-old captain announced his retirement from the national team on Monday.
The Argentine Football Association stated that referees will halt play in all games during the 10th minute to allow for a minute of applause, recognizing Messi's contributions. "We look forward to seeing you on the fields - join us in this recognition!" the association said.
Messi, who holds the record for the most appearances for Argentina with 207 caps, had previously retired from international football in 2016 before reversing his decision. That earlier retirement followed a Copa America final loss to Chile, where Messi missed a penalty in the shootout. During his international tenure, Messi captained Argentina to a World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022 and secured two Copa America titles. He is Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals.
Messi's international debut was in 2005 as a substitute in a friendly against Hungary. He has spent his senior club career in Europe, notably with Barcelona, and has never played senior club football in his native Argentina. He currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, with a contract extending through the 2028 season.
His decision to retire from international play followed the death of his father, Jorge, in August. Messi stated that his father's passing solidified his belief that retiring from the national team was the right decision. He is the second-highest scorer in World Cup history and second for all-time international goals behind Cristiano Ronaldo.