Argentine football matches to hold minute's applause for Messi

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The Argentine Football Federation announced that all local matches in the next round of fixtures will pause for a one-minute tribute in the 10th minute of the first half to honor Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football. The decision will apply across all domestic competitions under the federation, including men's, women's, futsal and beach soccer tournaments. The tribute is intended to recognize Messi's career with the Argentina national team, which he led to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar. The federation has also requested that a federation-produced tribute video be shown on stadium screens before kickoff at venues equipped with displays. Local clubs are expected to carry out the protocol during matches scheduled for the coming round, with the federation coordinating the rollout across the various divisions.