Lionel Messi has confirmed his retirement from the national team, stating that his final match with Argentina was the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) will honour Messi by pausing all domestic matches in the 10th minute for a minute of applause, following his retirement from the national team. This gesture is a nod to Messi's remarkable achievements, including becoming Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals and holding the tournament records for most games played (34) and most victories (23) in the World Cup. Matches will be paused in the 10th minute of the first half for a minute of applause, with stadiums equipped with video boards required to play a tribute video before kickoff.