Football matches across Argentina will pay a special mid-game tribute to Lionel Messi following his decision to retire from international duty. Referees will pause play at the 10-minute mark across all domestic leagues, including the Clausura tournament, for a nationwide minute of applause. The gesture honours the 39-year-old icon, who ends his 21-year Argentina career with 207 caps and 125 goals after leading his nation to World Cup glory in 2022

Argentina leagues to pause matches in mid-game tribute to Lionel Messi

In June 2016, a heartbroken Lionel Messi walked away from the Argentina national team after a painful Copa América final defeat. What seemed like the tragic conclusion of an international career became the prelude to football's ultimate redemption story.

Driven by his love for La Albiceleste, Messi reversed his decision weeks later, embarking on a transformative decade. He led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América, ending a 28-year trophy drought, before crowning his international career at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Scoring seven goals and winning the Golden Ball, Messi ended Argentina's 36-year wait for global glory. He followed it up with a second Copa América title in 2024 and led his country to another World Cup final in 2026. Watch the incredible journey of how Messi changed his legacy from heartbreak to absolute immortality.

Messi’s decade of dominance: From retirement to World Cup glory 

Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi has said that he doesn’t see Lionel Messi retiring before Qatar World Cup 2020 while adding he sees the Argentine maestro play until he wants to. While Xavi has won everything possible in his club and international career, Messi is missing an international trophy in what has been a trophy-laden career.&nbsp;

Messi had earlier admitted that he might not be in the international football arena for long but his former Barcelona teammate Xavi is of the view that the iconic left-footed magician will represent Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Qatar.

Messi has reached the finals of Copa America and FIFA World Cup but Argentine have always fallen short of crossing the final line. With Messi already 33, many have questioned whether he can continue till the World Cup.&nbsp;

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"I see Leo playing until he wants to. On a physical level, he is fast, strong, he is a competitive beast, physically an animal," Xavi told Marca. "I have no doubt that he will play in Qatar 2022."

Xavi has been also linked to Barcelona’s job after criticism of current manager Quique Setien, however the World Cup winner has backed Setien to turn things around. But he admitted that his main goal always has been to manage Barca one day. &nbsp;

"I do not hide, and I have always said, that my main goal, when it occurs, is Barca. It is my home and it would be a dream," he said. &nbsp;"But now I am focused on Al Sadd, looking forward to the new season. When Barca has to come, in the short or long term, it will come. Above all, Quique Setien must be respected and I wish the team all the best."

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"Sometimes Barca plays very well, others well, and others not so well. But I like the idea of Setien, now and with his previous teams - dominate and make an attractive game. &nbsp;

"Sometimes it is not possible, it is true, but the rival makes it difficult for you. We have seen very nice and very good games of Barca with Setien. Definitely." 
&nbsp;

Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi has said that he doesn’t see Lionel Messi retiring before Qatar World Cup 2020 while adding he sees the Argentine maestro play until he wants to.

Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi has said that he doesn’t see Lionel Messi retiring before Qatar World Cup 2020 while adding he sees the Argentine maestro play until he wants to. While Xavi has won everything possible in his club and international career, Messi is missing an international trophy in what has been a trophy-laden career. Messi had earlier admitted that he might not be in the international football arena for long but his former Barcelona teammate Xavi is of the view that the iconic left-footed magician will represent Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Qatar. Messi has reached the finals of Copa America and FIFA World Cup but Argentine have always fallen short of crossing the final line. With Messi already 33, many have questioned whether he can continue till the World Cup. ALSO READ: Juventus-bound Arthur snubs Barca training "I see Leo playing until he wants to. On a physical level, he is fast, strong, he is a competitive beast, physically an animal," Xavi told Marca. "I have no doubt that he will play in Qatar 2022." Xavi has been also linked to Barcelona’s job after criticism of current manager Quique Setien, however the World Cup winner has backed Setien to turn things around. But he admitted that his main goal always has been to manage Barca one day. "I do not hide, and I have always said, that my main goal, when it occurs, is Barca. It is my home and it would be a dream," he said. "But now I am focused on Al Sadd, looking forward to the new season. When Barca has to come, in the short or long term, it will come. Above all, Quique Setien must be respected and I wish the team all the best." ALSO READ: 'Lost as player and person': Jesse Lingard talks about his struggles during 2019-20 season "Sometimes Barca plays very well, others well, and others not so well. But I like the idea of Setien, now and with his previous teams - dominate and make an attractive game. "Sometimes it is not possible, it is true, but the rival makes it difficult for you. We have seen very nice and very good games of Barca with Setien. Definitely."

Lionel Messi not retiring anytime soon, will play 2022 World Cup: Xavi