All football matches in Argentina were stopped at minute 10 to hold a minute of applause in tribute to Lionel Messi. The decision was made by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), which decreed this tribute in all matches played in the country.
Lionel Messi, 39 years old, announced his retirement from football after losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. The Argentine player thus ends a historic career in sport.
The minute of applause at minute 10 was implemented as a way to recognize Messi's years of dedication to the Argentine national team, in which he won numerous titles, including the Copa América.
