Argentina pauses every match at the 10th minute to honour Messi's retirement from international duty

Referees across Argentina will pause every domestic match at the 10-minute mark this weekend in a nationwide tribute to Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement from international football on Monday after 21 years with the national team.

The Argentine Football Association confirmed late Wednesday that the gesture will apply to the upcoming round of the Clausura tournament as well as other men’s and women’s leagues in the country. The stoppage at the 10th minute is a direct nod to the No. 10 jersey Messi wore throughout his international career.

Messi, 39, ends his time with the Albiceleste as the country’s all-time record holder in both appearances (207) and goals (125). He captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar and also led the side to two other World Cup finals, cementing a legacy that places him among the most decorated international footballers in history.

Despite being idolised across Argentina, Messi never played professionally in his home country. He left for Barcelona at the age of 13 and went on to build a career widely regarded as the greatest in the history of the sport.

Messi continues to play club football with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and has not indicated any plans to step away from the game at that level.