Lionel Messi will receive a nationwide farewell in Argentina this weekend, with every match stopping at the 10th minute for a one-minute ovation honoring the longtime captain and No. 10.
The Argentine Football Association announced the tribute after Messi ended his 21-year international career with Argentina. The timing of the stoppage is a deliberate nod to the No. 10 jersey that became synonymous with the 39-year-old forward.
The tribute applies across all competitions and categories under the AFA, including men’s and women’s 11-a-side football, futsal and beach football. Stadiums equipped with video boards have also been instructed to show a tribute video before the applause.
The first tribute took place during the Copa Argentina round-of-16 match between Velez Sarsfield and Boca Juniors. Referee Sebastian Zunino stopped play around the 10-minute mark, prompting players, coaches and spectators to applaud and chant in honor of Messi.
Messi announced Aug. 31 that he was ending his international career, bringing an emotional conclusion to one of the most decorated careers in Argentina's history.
