Argentina is preparing a special farewell for Lionel Messi after its iconic captain announced his retirement from the national team at age 39. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the tribute will take place at stadiums hosting official competitions across the country this weekend, with a symbolic gesture dedicated to the legendary No. 10.
- Home >
- Soccer >
- Argentina plans special tribute for Messi after retirement: What will happen in stadiums across the country?
Argentina plans special tribute for Messi after retirement: What will happen in stadiums across the country?
Argentina is preparing a special farewell for Lionel Messi after its iconic captain announced his retirement from the national team at age 39. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the tribute will take place at stadiums hosting official competitions across the country this weekend
And 10 will be the key number behind the tribute.
How will Argentina honor Lionel Messi?
The AFA has ordered matches to be stopped when the clock reaches 10 minutes in the first half.
At that moment, there will be a minute of applause honoring Messi's career with the Albiceleste.
“The next round of matches in all categories and all men's and women's disciplines (11-a-side, futsal and beach soccer) will be stopped after 10 minutes of the first half for a minute of applause in recognition of Lionel Messi's career with the Argentine national team,” the AFA announced.
The tribute will cover men's and women's competitions across 11-a-side soccer, futsal and beach soccer.
Messi's farewell will begin before kickoff
The minute of applause will not be the only tribute.
The AFA also announced that stadiums equipped with screens must show its institutional farewell video before matches begin.
The nearly two-minute video features images from different stages of Messi's career in Argentina's sky blue and white shirt.
“Thank you for uniting an entire country behind this crest. We are going to miss you,” reads the farewell message.
Why did Lionel Messi retire from Argentina?
Messi announced his decision Monday in an emotional handwritten letter.
“I emptied myself. I have nothing more to give, and there are also some great young players coming through who deserve to be there,” the former Argentina captain explained.
The forward ends his international career having played more than 200 games, scoring 125 goals and recording 68 assists since 2005.
His final appearance came in the 2026 World Cup Final, when Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain.
Messi's trophies with Argentina
Messi leaves the national team having won the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima.
Those trophies came in addition to the 2005 U-20 World Cup and his gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games.
This weekend will bring one of the first major tributes since his retirement, with Argentine soccer dedicating a symbolic moment to the number that accompanied Messi through much of his historic international career.
