Argentine league to pause games this weekend to honour Messi after his retirement
The Argentine Football Association has announced that all league matches this weekend will pause in the 10th minute to honor Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football. Messi, a legendary figure in the sport, concluded his national team career after the 2026 World Cup.
Why it matters
Messi is widely considered one of the greatest players in history, and this tribute reflects his massive cultural impact on Argentine society and global sports.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Lionel Messi played a key role in knocking England out of the 2026 World Cup in the semi-finals
The Argentine league will pay tribute to Lionel Messi after his retirement from international football by pausing all of their matches in the 10th minute this weekend for a minute of applause.
The 39-year-old, who wore the number 10 shirt for Argentina, announced his retirement from the national side on Monday.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's final game for his country, who he captained to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, was the 2026 World Cup final defeat by Spain in July.
"In tribute and homage to Lionel Messi's career with the Argentina national team, at the 10th minute of play in all matches the referees will stop the game and a general minute of applause will be held," the Argentine Football Association said.
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