Argentina to pause every football match in tribute to Lionel Messi

Every football match in Argentina this weekend will stop in the 10th minute for Lionel Messi. The Argentine Football Association said the pause will be followed by 60 seconds of applause for the former national-team captain.

The tribute will apply across men’s and women’s competitions and all age groups. Choosing the 10th minute reflects the number that became inseparable from Messi’s career with Argentina.

Messi announced on Monday that he was ending his international career. He played 207 matches for the national team and scored 125 goals. His defining achievement came in 2022, when he led Argentina to the World Cup title.

He also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, as well as Olympic gold in 2008. The article also lists two World Cup runner-up finishes, in 2014 and 2026.

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For the upcoming matchday in all men’s and women’s leagues and age groups, matches will be paused in the 10th minute of the first half for a minute of applause in recognition of Lionel Messi’s career with the Argentine national team.