Argentina to Pause Matches in Nationwide Lionel Messi Tribute

Every match across Argentina’s men’s and women’s competitions will be stopped during the 10th minute of the first half this weekend, allowing players, officials and supporters to take part in a minute of applause.

The choice of the 10th minute reflects the shirt number that became synonymous with Messi during his extraordinary career with the Argentina national team.

For the upcoming matchday across all men's and women's divisions and disciplines, 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 Argentina national team,” the AFA said.

Clubs have also been encouraged to use stadium screens and other facilities to celebrate Messi’s international career, with video tributes expected to feature some of the defining moments from more than two decades representing his country.

Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer.

His international journey included appearances at a record six World Cups and reached its defining moment in Qatar in 2022, when he captained Argentina to the World Cup title.

That triumph ended the country’s 36-year wait for football’s biggest international prize and secured Argentina’s third World Cup crown.

Messi’s final tournament ended differently, with Argentina losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.

The 39-year-old subsequently confirmed that the final had been his last appearance for the national team, bringing an end to a 21-year international career.

In an emotional message announcing his decision, Messi acknowledged how difficult it had been to walk away from the team he had represented for most of his professional life.

I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give,” Messi wrote. “It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come.”

His retirement closes one of the most celebrated chapters in Argentina’s football history.

For years, Messi carried the enormous expectations attached to succeeding some of the country's greatest players and eventually delivered the international honours that had previously eluded him.

The 2022 World Cup stands at the centre of that legacy, but his influence on Argentina stretched far beyond a single tournament.

From his emergence as a teenager to his final years as captain and senior leader, Messi became the defining figure of an era for the Albiceleste.

The AFA’s decision to involve every level of domestic football ensures the tribute will extend far beyond the national team and Argentina’s biggest stadiums.

For one minute this weekend, matches throughout the country will stop together to recognise a player whose No.10 shirt became one of the most recognisable symbols in world football.