Argentina’s football authorities have ordered a one-minute pause for applause in every match played in the country as a tribute to Lionel Messi following his decision to retire from international football.

The tribute will take place when each game reaches the 10th minute, a reference to the shirt number worn by the Inter Miami forward for most of his clubs and throughout his Argentina career.

Messi, 39, announced earlier this week that he would no longer represent Argentina after taking part in this summer’s World Cup. He said the decision “hurts the depths of my soul”, but added that he “realises the time has come” to end his international career.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed on Thursday evening that the gesture would apply to matches “in all categories” across the country. It will include men’s and women’s football, as well as futsal and beach football.

The AFA said the applause must last for a full minute once the 10th minute is reached.

“Furthermore, stadiums equipped with screens must show the association’s institutional video before the matches begin,” the AFA said in a statement.

The tribute was first held on Wednesday during the Copa Argentina tie between Velez Sarsfield and Boca Juniors.

Messi led Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and also helped them win the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles. The World Cup this summer was the sixth of his career, and he became only the second player, after Brazil’s Cafu, to appear in three men’s World Cup finals.

He is Argentina’s record appearance holder, having played 207 times for the national team, and is also their leading scorer with 125 goals.

Messi’s international career has included a number of major tournament milestones, but his success at the 2022 World Cup completed the achievement that had eluded him for much of his career. His decision to step away from Argentina means the country’s football authorities are using his iconic number to mark his contribution across the game.

The AFA directive applies throughout Argentine football rather than only to top-level fixtures, meaning supporters at matches across the men’s, women’s, futsal and beach football calendars will take part in the same tribute.