Argentina FA Announces Special Tribute to Messi as Every Match Stops in the 10th Minute

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed that stadiums hosting official competitions across the country this weekend will pay tribute to Lionel Messi, following the legendary forward’s announcement that he is stepping away from the national team. Matches will be paused in the 10th minute of the first half for one minute of applause in his honor.

Argentina is preparing a special farewell ceremony for the 39-year-old legendary captain. The tribute will take place at stadiums hosting official competitions across the country, with the symbolic number “10” at the center of the celebrations.

The AFA has instructed all matches to be paused in the 10th minute of the first half. A one-minute round of applause will then take place to honor Messi and his achievements with the Argentina national team.

The AFA announced: “The next round of all competitions at every level, including men’s and women’s football, 11-a-side football, futsal and beach soccer, will be paused after the 10th minute of the first half for one minute of applause in recognition of Messi’s career with the Argentina national team.”

The tribute will cover men’s and women’s 11-a-side football, futsal and beach soccer competitions.

The AFA also announced that stadiums equipped with large screens must play an official farewell video before kick-off.

The nearly two-minute video looks back at several stages of Messi’s career in the famous blue-and-white Argentina shirt.

The farewell message reads: “Thank you for bringing an entire country together under this badge. We will miss you.”

Messi made the emotional announcement in a handwritten letter published on Monday local time.

The former Argentina captain explained: “I have given everything I have, and there is nothing more I can give. At the same time, there are some excellent young players coming through who deserve their opportunity.”

Since making his Argentina debut in 2005, the forward has made more than 200 appearances for the national team, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists.

Messi’s final appearance for Argentina came in the 2026 World Cup final, when Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain.

During his international career, Messi helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, and the 2022 Finalissima.

He also won the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and an Olympic gold medal with Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

This weekend’s tribute will be one of the first major farewell ceremonies for Messi following his decision to step away from international football. Argentine football will use this symbolic moment to honor the number that has accompanied Messi throughout much of his legendary career with the national team.