Argentina to stop domestic matches in 10th minute to honour Lionel Messi
By Joel Masibo, September 3, 2026The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced a special tribute to Lionel Messi, with domestic football matches across the country set to stop during the 10th minute this weekend.
Games in all men’s and women’s divisions and disciplines will be temporarily halted for a minute of applause to celebrate Messi’s remarkable contribution to the Argentina national team following his decision to retire from international football.
The tribute comes after Messi announced that his appearance in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain would be his last for Argentina. The 39-year-old confirmed his international retirement on Monday, September 1, 2026, through an Instagram post accompanied by a handwritten message in Spanish.
The AFA revealed the planned honour on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, stating: “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 governing body has also instructed stadiums with video screens to show a special tribute before matches begin.
The AFA added that “stadiums equipped with video boards must play a tribute video before kickoff,” with the footage based on a montage released through the association’s social media platforms after Messi made his retirement announcement.
Messi’s international career began in 2005 and developed into one of the most decorated chapters in Argentina’s football history. He became the country’s leading scorer with 125 goals and represented the national team at six World Cups.
His greatest international achievement came in Qatar in 2022, when he finally lifted the World Cup trophy with Argentina. The triumph ended a 36-year wait for the country’s third World Cup title.
Messi also leaves the tournament with several records, having made more World Cup appearances than any other player with 34 matches and registered 23 victories.
Explaining his decision to step away, Messi wrote: “I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give,” before adding: “It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come.”
The 10th-minute applause will therefore provide Argentine football fans with an opportunity to collectively recognise a player who has played a defining role in the national team’s modern history.