Lionel Messi is adoring in the whole world, but especially in his homeland, which is so logical. So, when the magician from Rosario decided to retire from international football in his honour, the Argentine Football Association has decided that all matches in the men's and women's leagues will be briefly stopped to pay tribute to Leo, the greatest of all time.🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Boca Juniors’ match against Vélez was stopped in the 10th minute to honor Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football. 🇦🇷🐐A minute of applause was held for Argentina’s legendary No. 10. 👏 pic.twitter.com/aWTuGujPxR— Ayuba | Football News (@ayubafootball) September 3, 2026 “On the upcoming matchday, in all divisions of all sports, for both men and women, the first half of every match will be paused for a one-minute standing ovation to honor Lionel Messi’s career with the Argentine national team. Stadiums equipped with video screens must play a tribute video before kickoff. The clip will showcase the highlights of his career. With these actions, the association aims to pay homage to its national hero just days after his retirement” reads the statement from the Argentinian FA.The end: Messi says goodbye to ArgentinaAnd that is exactly what happened in the 10th minute of the Copa Argentina round-of-16 clash between Boca Juniors and Velez. Referee Sebastian Zunino blew his whistle exactly 10 minutes into the game and brought the match to a halt. The entire Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba rose to its feet and began applauding. Of course, it is obvious why the 10th minute was chosen: it is the number Messi wore for most of his career. Wearing it, he led Argentina to the top of the footballing world at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930179##
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