CORNERFLICK
The Argentine Football Association will mark Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football with tributes across this week’s domestic matches.
Minute-10 applause planned
All men’s and women’s fixtures in Argentina’s top and lower divisions will stop in the 10th minute for one minute of applause, according to the AFA.
The federation added that stadiums with video screens should show a tribute clip before kick-off.
Messi ends Argentina career
Messi confirmed on Monday in an Instagram post, alongside a handwritten note in Spanish, that the 2026 World Cup final defeat by Spain was his last game for Argentina. He said the decision to leave at 39 was painful but felt the time had come.
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005, scored 125 goals for the national team and played at six World Cups. He won the World Cup in 2022, when Argentina claimed their first title in 36 years and their third overall.