One minute of applause every 10 minutes in all domestic matches in honor of Messi

Lionel Messi will no longer be seen in the Argentina jersey on the field. After announcing his retirement from the national team on social media, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is going to pay special respect to his two-decade colorful career on the field.

This weekend, the 10th minute of all Argentine domestic matches will be stopped for a minute and applause will be given in his honor. The initiative will be effective in all types of domestic competitions - men and women. The 10th minute has been chosen to pay tribute to Messi's famous number 10 jersey.

The AFA said that stadiums with giant screens will also show a special video about Messi's international career before the start of the match. Earlier, the video was released on AFA's social media after Messi's retirement announcement.

Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday by posting three handwritten pictures on Instagram. There, he said that the match against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final would be his last match for Argentina.

Messi has played for Argentina for more than two decades since making his debut for the main national team in 2005. His goal tally for the national team is 125—the highest in Argentina's history. Messi, who has participated in six World Cups, led Argentina to its first World Cup in 36 years in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Messi also holds multiple records in the World Cup. He holds the record for the most appearances in the tournament's history, with 34 and the most wins, 23.

Messi's international chapter is therefore not just ending with the announcement of his retirement. To commemorate his contribution to Argentine football for more than two decades, every domestic stadium in the country will now ring with applause—in the 10th minute, for a minute.