Argentine League to Honor Messi with 10th-Minute Tribute

The Argentine Football Association announced a tribute to Lionel Messi, who recently retired from international football, by pausing all domestic league matches in the 10th minute for a minute of applause. This tribute reflects the jersey number Messi wore for Argentina.

Messi, 39, announced his retirement on Monday, concluding a distinguished international career that included leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He holds the record for the most appearances for Argentina with 207 caps and is the leading goalscorer with 125 goals.

Messi's final match for Argentina was the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, where Argentina lost. He first debuted for the national team in 2005 and briefly retired in 2016 before returning.

His decision to retire followed the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Messi will continue his club career with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, where he has a contract until the end of the 2028 season.