The Argentine league will pay tribute to Lionel Messi after his retirement from international football by pausing all of their matches in the 10th minute this weekend for a minute of applause. The 39-year-old, who wore the number 10 shirt for Argentina, announced his retirement from the national side on Monday. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's final game for his country, who he captained to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, was the 2026 World Cup final defeat by Spain in July.

"In tribute and homage to Lionel Messi's career with the Argentina national team, at the 10th minute of play in all matches the referees will stop the game and a general minute of applause will be held," the Argentine Football Association said. "We look forward to seeing you on the fields - join us in this recognition!"

Messi, who is Argentina's appearances record holder with 207 caps, first retired from international football in 2016 before reversing his decision. The former Barcelona forward went on to win the World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina, scoring a record 125 goals. He is the second-highest goalscorer in World Cup history, with 21, behind France's Kylian Mbappe (22), and second for goals in all internationals (125) behind his great rival, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (146).

In August, he said he was considering his future in football after the death of his father, Jorge, who died aged 68. He will continue to play in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, where he has a contract that runs to the end of the 2028 season.