By Dorcas Francis Koji
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced a nationwide tribute to Lionel Messi, with every match across its men’s and women’s competitions set to pause in the 10th minute on the next matchday.
The stoppage will last for one minute, during which players, officials and supporters will join in a round of applause to celebrate Messi’s remarkable career with the Argentina national team.
According to the AFA, the tribute is designed to honour the legacy of the Argentina captain and recognise his immense contribution to the national team over the years.
“Every game will stop in the 10th minute for a minute of applause in recognition of Lionel Messi’s career with the Argentina national team,” the federation said, as reported by ESPN.
The decision to stop play in the 10th minute carries a special significance, with Messi having worn Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt throughout his international career.
Messi has enjoyed an extraordinary journey with the national team, guiding Argentina to major international triumphs and cementing his place among the greatest footballers in the country’s history.
His international achievements include winning the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, adding major trophies to a career that has made him an enduring symbol of Argentine football.
The tribute will extend across both the men’s and women’s competitions, giving football supporters throughout Argentina an opportunity to collectively celebrate the achievements of the legendary No. 10.
The planned one-minute applause is expected to produce emotional scenes in stadiums across the country as Argentine football pauses to recognise Messi’s influence and extraordinary contribution to the national team.
The tribute comes after Messi announced his decision to retire from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 20-year career with Argentina.
Messi’s international journey, which began in 2005, saw him overcome years of disappointment before eventually leading Argentina to a succession of major titles and fulfilling his long-held dream of winning the World Cup.
With the AFA now preparing a nationwide celebration in his honour, the 10th-minute stoppage will provide supporters with a symbolic opportunity to salute the man who has worn Argentina’s famous No. 10 with distinction for two decades.
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