Argentina to honour Lionel Messi with 10th-minute applause across next round | OneFootball

The Argentine Football Association announced on Wednesday that all fixtures in the next round will pause in the 10th minute to salute Lionel Messi, two days after he confirmed his international retirement.

The timing reflects Messi’s No 10, with one minute of applause to be observed nationwide.

The measure covers all categories, men and women, and all formats from 11-a-side football to futsal and beach soccer.

In venues with giant screens, a federation video dedicated to Messi will play before kick-off.

At 39, the Inter Miami forward departs the national team with 207 caps, 125 goals, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 World Cup.

He played his final tournament at the 2026 World Cup, scoring eight and assisting four, before Argentina lost the final 1-0 to Spain after extra time.

Source: L'Équipe

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