Argentine Football Pauses Matches to Honor Messi's Farewell
Argentine Football Pauses Matches to Honor Messi's Farewell
Referees across Argentina will stop play at the 10-minute mark of every match in the upcoming round of the Clausura tournament to honor Lionel Messi following his retirement from the national team. The tribute, confirmed by the Argentine Football Association late Wednesday, will also extend to other men's and women's leagues in the country.
Messi, 39, announced on Monday that he would no longer play for Argentina after 21 years representing the national side. He wore the No. 10 jersey and led the team to the 2022 World Cup title, along with two other World Cup final appearances. His 207 caps and 125 goals both stand as national records. padel odds
Idolized in his home country, Messi never played professionally in Argentina. He left for Barcelona at age 13, launching a career that many consider the greatest in the sport's history.
Messi continues to play at club level for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
