The Argentine Football Association (AFA) will honor Lionel Messi this weekend by pausing all domestic matches in the 10th minute for a minute of applause, following his retirement from the national team.
In an Instagram post featuring a handwritten note in Spanish, Messi confirmed Monday that his final match with Argentina was the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain and that he is retiring from international duty at age 39.
“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 announced Wednesday.
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The statement added that “stadiums equipped with video boards must play a tribute video before kickoff,” referring to the montage posted on the AFA’s social media channels after Messi’s announcement.
Messi made his senior debut in 2005, became Argentina’s all-time leading scorer (125 goals) and appeared in six World Cups, finally winning won in 2022. He holds the tournament records for both most games played (34) and most victories (23).
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“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give,” Messi wrote on Instagram Monday. “It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come.” Messi finally won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, his country’s first in 36 years and third overall.
