How Will Argentina Honor Messi After Retirement? AFA Reveals

2 hours ago 5

September 4, 2026 | 10:38 am

Lionel Messi leads the top scorer standings at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentina captain has scored eight goals through the semifinals. Shutterstock

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Argentine Football Association (AFA) will pay tribute to Lionel Messi during all Argentine league matches this weekend following the football superstar's retirement from international duty.

As a tribute to Messi's career with the Argentina national team, referees will stop play in the 10th minute of every match, the AFA said in a statement quoted by The Athletic on Thursday, September 3.

"We look forward to seeing you on the fields – join us in this recognition!" the association saidm as quoted by beIN Sports.

Messi, who famously wore the No. 10 shirt for Argentina, announced his retirement from international football on Monday, August 31. His final appearance for La Albiceleste came in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain in July.

The 39-year-old ended his international career as Argentina's most-capped player, making 207 appearances. He is also the national team's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals.

A Second International Retirement

This was not the first time Messi had announced his retirement from international football. He briefly stepped away from the national team in 2016 after Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America final.

Messi missed his penalty in the shootout, with the defeat marking Argentina's fourth lost final in nine years.

He later reversed his decision and returned to the national team, eventually leading Argentina to two Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Messi made his international debut in 2005, coming on as a substitute in Argentina's 2-1 victory over Hungary. He went on to become one of the most influential players in the history of the national team.

The 39-year-old is also the second-highest scorer in World Cup finals history, with 21 goals, behind only Kylian Mbappe, who has scored 22.

In the all-time international scoring rankings, Messi sits second behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 146 goals.

Although he was born and raised in Argentina, Messi never played senior club football in his home country. He moved to Barcelona's La Masia academy at the age of 13 and spent most of his club career in Europe.

Messi's future in football had been the subject of speculation following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. In August, Messi said he was considering his future.

After announcing his retirement from the national team, Messi said his father's death had made him "more certain than ever" that he had made the right decision.

Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer through the end of the 2028 season.

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