The Argentine Football Association (AFA) will stop every men’s and women’s match in its next round of domestic competitions at the 10th minute for a minute of applause in honour of Lionel Messi.
The tribute will recognise Messi’s international career with Argentina after the Inter Miami forward announced his retirement from international football on Monday.
ESPN reported on Wednesday that the AFA had formally approved the gesture, with the 10th minute chosen to reflect the shirt number Messi has worn for Argentina.
“قرر الاتحاد الارجنتيني لكرة القدم ايقاف جميع المباريات في مختلف مسابقاته للرجال والسيدات خلال الجولة المقبلة عند الدقيقة العاشرة (رقم قميصه)، والوقوف دقيقة تصفيق تكريما لمسيرة ليونيل ميسي مع منتخب الارجنتين”.
Translated into English, the statement said: “The Argentine Football Association has decided to stop all matches in its various men’s and women’s competitions during the next round at the 10th minute his shirt number and hold a minute of applause in tribute to Lionel Messi’s career with the Argentina national team.”
Messi announced his decision in a statement posted on his Instagram account after a long period of reflection following the final he had most recently played for Argentina.
“After all this time since the final, and after a great deal of thought, I want to announce to everyone that I have decided to retire from playing for the national team,” Messi wrote.
His decision brings the international career of one of football’s most celebrated players to an end. Messi leaves Argentina having made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for the national team.
The 2022 World Cup stands as the most prominent of the honours he won with Argentina. His international achievements have ensured that he departs as one of the country’s greatest football legends.
The AFA’s decision means that the recognition will extend beyond one ceremony or fixture. Matches in the next round of competitions involving both men’s and women’s teams will pause at the same point, allowing players and supporters to mark Messi’s contribution together.
The tribute is directly linked to the number Messi has made synonymous with his time in an Argentina shirt. The uninterrupted applause at the 10th minute will provide a coordinated acknowledgement of his record appearances, goals and major titles with the national side.
Messi’s announcement followed the final referenced in his statement, after which he said he had taken time to consider his future with Argentina. The decision was then made public on Monday, before the AFA’s planned honour was reported by ESPN on Wednesday.
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