Argentina to honour Messi by stopping all matches at the 10th minute

Argentinian football is set to honour its historic captain Lionel Messi, just days after he announced his retirement from international play with Argentina.

The Argentine Football Association has announced a special tribute during all matches scheduled for Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, across various competitions and categories, including men's and women's football, as well as futsal and beach soccer.

Play will be stopped in the 10th minute, in reference to the number 10 shirt that Messi wore throughout his career with the Argentina national team, with the stadium dedicating a minute of applause to honor the Argentine star.

A special video showcasing Messi's journey with the national team will be displayed on giant screens in stadiums, in tribute to what he has contributed while wearing the Argentina shirt for over two decades.

Lionel Messi announced on August 31 that he has ended his international career after 21 years with the national team, during which he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals, leading them to victory in the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.