Matches to pause in 10th minute for a minute's applause to honour Messi

Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. While he is not leaving the pitch entirely, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has taken an initiative to specially honour his two-decade-long illustrious career with the national team.

All domestic matches in Argentina this weekend will pause in the 10th minute for a minute of applause. The decision will be implemented across all domestic competitions, both men's and women's. The AFA confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday, September 2.

Messi wears the number 10 jersey for the Argentine national team. The decision to pause matches in the 10th minute was taken to honour him accordingly.

Beyond the minute of applause, a special video featuring Messi will be displayed before matches in stadiums equipped with giant screens. The video was previously released on the AFA's social media channels following his retirement announcement from the national team.

On Monday, August 30, Messi announced his retirement on social media, writing that after much thought, he had decided to step away from the national team. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said the decision was extremely difficult but he felt the time had come.

Messi also said he had always given his all for the national team jersey. He fought not just in recent times when the team won trophy after trophy, but also in earlier periods, trying to bring smiles to the faces of Argentine people through football.