How the entire Argentine football community will pay tribute to Messi

Lionel Messi's retirement from the Argentine national team shocked the world and marks the end of a golden era for the Albiceleste. Therefore, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced on Wednesday in its official bulletin that it is preparing a heartfelt tribute to the career of the greatest player of all time for the national team during matches across all categories of local football next weekend.

According to the TyC Sports, the initiative proposes that in the next round of all categories of all men's and women's disciplines (eleven, futsal and beach soccer) the game be stopped ten minutes into the first half and a minute of applause be given in recognition of the time the Rosario star spent with the Argentine national team.

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“Likewise, in those stadiums that have screens, they must, prior to the start of the matches, broadcast the institutional video of the Association,” the resolution of the board of directors of the parent house of Argentine football also states.

In addition to the tribute that the players will perform on the field, the public in the stands is expected to support this initiative with applause, cheers, flags and songs alluding to the Inter Miami striker.

The choice to carry out this recognition in the tenth minute is not accidental, but refers to the iconic number used by the 39-year-old footballer during much of his time in the national team, of which he is the player with the most appearances (207) and with the most goals scored (125).

The Rosario-born star ended his time with the Albiceleste last Monday with a moving letter posted on his Instagram account, in which he explained the reasons for his decision and thanked the Argentine public for their support.