Lionel Messi, the celebrated forward who has spent two decades representing Argentina, announced his retirement from the national side on Thursday, bringing to a close a tenure that spanned 21 years and more than 200 appearances.
A Nation Pays Tribute
The Argentine Football Association confirmed that, beginning with the upcoming Clausura tournament, each match will pause for a full minute of applause at the 10‑minute mark to honor Messi, a gesture that will also feature in other domestic leagues.
Messi’s impact on the national team is unmistakable: he guided Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, added two runner‑up finishes in 2014 and 2018, and set enduring records with 207 caps and 125 goals, the latter standing as the highest tally in the country’s history.
Although he never played a professional match on Argentine soil, Messi’s journey began at age 13 when he left his hometown club for Barcelona, where he honed his craft before later joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he continues his club career.
His departure marks the end of an era for Argentine football, a period defined by his mesmerizing dribbling, clutch performances in decisive matches, and the inspiration he provided to a generation of young players across the nation.