Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Argentina Football Matches to Pause for Messi After Retirement
Argentina’s football association wants every match this weekend to stop briefly for Lionel Messi.
The pause will happen in the 10th minute of the first half.
Players and fans will applaud for 60 seconds.
The 10th minute represents Messi’s famous No.
10 jersey.
The tribute follows Messi’s announcement that he is retiring from Argentina’s national team.
He played for Argentina’s senior team beginning in 2005.
He helped the country win the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.
He will continue playing club football for Inter Miami.
The Argentine Football Association announced a 60-second applause during the 10th minute of all matches this weekend.
The tribute will cover men’s and women’s divisions and disciplines across Argentina.
The 10th-minute timing honors Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt.
Messi announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team after a decorated international career.
Messi won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América with Argentina.
- Who
- The Argentine Football Association and Lionel Messi.
- What
- Football matches will pause for 60 seconds of applause to honor Messi’s Argentina career.
- When
- During the upcoming weekend matchday, in the 10th minute of the first half.
- Where
- Across Argentina’s men’s and women’s football divisions and disciplines.
- Why
- To recognize Messi after his decision to retire from international football.
- Tribute duration
- 60 seconds of applause
- Tribute timing
- The 10th minute of the first half
- Coverage
- Men’s and women’s divisions and disciplines
- Messi’s Argentina debut
- 2005
- Major titles cited
- 2021 Copa América, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América
- Next club
- Inter Miami in Major League Soccer
- Stadium video
- Venues with screens were instructed to show an Argentine Football Association institutional video before matches