Following Lionel Messi’s announcement that he is retiring from the Argentina national team, the Rosario-born star will receive a tribute at stadiums across the country during the upcoming weekend. The initiative was announced by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) through its official bulletin and was first carried out during the Copa Argentina match between Boca Juniors and Vélez. Messi’s retirement from the Argentina national team has sent shockwaves around the world and marks the end of a golden era for the Albiceleste. For that reason, the AFA announced on Wednesday that it is preparing an emotional tribute to recognize the career of the greatest player of all time with the national team in matches across all levels of Argentine football next weekend. The initiative calls for all matches across all divisions and both men's and women's competitions—including 11-a-side football, futsal and beach soccer—to be stopped after 10 minutes of the first half, followed by one minute of applause in recognition of Messi’s career with the Argentina national team. The first tribute took place during the Copa Argentina match between Boca Juniors and Vélez, with everyone inside the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium joining in to honor the Rosario star. The AFA resolution also states that stadiums equipped with screens must show an official video produced by the association before the matches begin. In addition to the tribute from the players on the pitch, fans in the stands are expected to join in with applause, ovations, flags and songs dedicated to the Inter Miami forward. The choice of the 10th minute is, of course, deliberate: it refers to the iconic number Messi wore for much of his time with the national team. At 39, he is Argentina’s all-time leader in appearances, with 207 caps, and goals, with 125. Messi brought his chapter with the Albiceleste to a close last Monday in an emotional letter posted on Instagram, explaining the reasons behind his decision and thanking the Argentine public for its support. While it remains to be seen whether he will eventually have the opportunity to play a farewell match in Argentina wearing the famous sky-blue-and-white shirt, Leo will now receive a well-deserved tribute from the entirety of Argentine football.   submitted by   /u/IndividualPleasant23 [link]   [comments]