Argentina Football Association announces nationwide salute to Lionel Messi

The Argentina Football Association (AFA) will honour Lionel Messi by stopping every men’s and women’s match in its competitions during the next round of fixtures, following the Inter Miami forward’s decision to retire from international football.

All matches will be halted in the 10th minute, reflecting the shirt number worn by Messi for Argentina. Players and supporters will then observe a minute of applause in recognition of his career with the national team.

The tribute was reported by ESPN on Wednesday, after Messi confirmed on Monday that he would no longer represent Argentina. The AFA’s decision applies across its men’s and women’s competitions, making the planned gesture a national acknowledgement of the 39-year-old’s contribution to the country’s football history.

Messi announced his decision in a statement published on his official Instagram account. Reflecting on the period since Argentina’s most recent final, he wrote: “After all this time since the final, and after a lot of thought, I want to announce to everyone that I have decided to retire from playing for the national team.”

The Argentina captain’s international career includes 207 appearances and 125 goals. He leaves the national side as one of the most decorated and influential figures in the history of the game, having led Argentina to several major honours.

The most significant of those achievements came at the 2022 World Cup, when Argentina won the tournament and Messi collected the biggest prize of his career with the national team. His departure brings an end to an era in which he became the focal point of Argentina’s attack and its most recognisable player.

ESPN stated that the AFA had formally approved the planned recognition, with each fixture stopping when the clock reaches 10 minutes. A minute of applause will then be held to celebrate Messi’s service to Argentina rather than marking the occasion with a single ceremony at one particular stadium.

The announcement follows Messi’s own confirmation that he had reached the end of his international career. His statement came after a period of reflection following the final referenced in his message.

Messi now plays for Inter Miami, but his record with Argentina means his influence will continue to be felt throughout the country. The next matchday tribute will allow clubs, players and supporters from both the men’s and women’s competitions to take part in honouring a forward who has scored 125 goals in 207 international matches and helped deliver the 2022 World Cup.