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

Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football leaves Argentina with a huge question: who will wear the legendary No. 10 next?
Reports suggest rising star Nico Paz could be in line to inherit the iconic shirt.


Who will inherit Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt after 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 

Argentina is saying goodbye to a legend. After Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football, ending 21 years of national duty, streets across Buenos Aires have filled with murals and portraits honouring the No. 10 hero. Fans, teammates and even President Javier Milei paid tribute, calling him "the captain of our dreams." Messi retires as Argentina's all-time top scorer with 125 goals in 207 games, having delivered the country's long-awaited World Cup title in 2022.


Messi’s retirement leaves Argentina emotional; fans react to the end of a glorious era 

Argentina celebrates Messi's career: Streets filled with murals after retirement announcement

Lionel Messi Announces That He is Retiring From International Football After Leading Argentina to a Second Successive World Cup Final in July. "It Was a Decision That Hurt and Still Hurts Deep in My Soul but I Understand That It is the Right Time," Messi, 39, Wrote on Instagram. Messi LED Argentina to World Cup Glory by Winning the 2022 Final Against France in a Penalty Shootout in Doha, but His Side Lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 Final. Following the Death of His Father Jorge in August, Messi Had Said He Had "Serious Doubts" About Continuing to Play Football of Any Sort for "Much Longer".


Argentina icon Messi retires from international football

Lionel Messi’s proposed visit to Kerala for a friendly football match has come under scrutiny, with the Kerala government ordering a probe into the plans. Authorities want to examine allegations of possible money laundering and GST violations linked to the event. The investigation could determine whether the much-anticipated Messi appearance can go ahead as planned.


Kerala government to launch probe into proposed Messi friendly match

Lionel Messi has returned to action for Inter Miami following the death of his father, stepping back onto the pitch during an emotional period in his life. The football icon’s comeback has drawn huge attention, while fresh speculation about his future and possible retirement continues to grow.


Messi returns to Inter Miami after father’s death, retirement questions rise


Spain enters the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final on a remarkable 37-match unbeaten run, boasting the tournament's best defensive record. But standing in their way is Lionel Messi, who hopes to end his international career with another World Cup title. Can Spain's disciplined defense and captain Rodri stop the Argentine legend in football's biggest match?

Spain vs Argentina: Can Rodri Stop Lionel Messi in the Final? | Wion News 

Argentine President Javier Milei has confirmed he will not attend the FIFA World Cup final, citing superstition as Argentina prepares to face Spain. A close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, Milei said he will watch the match from home as the reigning champions chase a second consecutive World Cup title against the 2010 champions.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina's Milei to skip world cup final, cites superstition

Before they faced each other in a FIFA World Cup final, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal shared a remarkable moment that now seems destined by fate. In 2007, a young Messi posed for a charity photoshoot holding and bathing a five-month-old Yamal. Nearly two decades later, the Barcelona icons are set to meet on football's biggest stage, turning an iconic photograph into one of the sport's most extraordinary full-circle stories.

FIFA World Cup 2026: The remarkable story of Messi and baby Yamal

Argentina produced a stunning comeback to keep their FIFA World Cup dreams alive, defeating Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash. Trailing 2-0 with just 11 minutes of regulation time remaining, the defending champions staged an incredible fightback to seal a place in the quarterfinals.

Argentina will now face Switzerland in the last eight as their title defence gathers momentum. Watch the full story and match analysis.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina end Egypt's world cup dreams

One of the biggest matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Atlanta on Tuesday as defending champion Argentina takes on Egypt in the Round of 16. The winner will advance to face either Switzerland or Colombia.

FIFA world cup 2026: Argentina up against Egypt in the round of 16 in Atlanta

A Czech Super-fan has transformed his home into an Argentina-themed shrine, complete with a giant Lionel Messi mural, a life-size Diego Maradona statue and ​the central motif of the Argentine flag, high on the ⁠wall. Miloslav "Curby" Urbanec says his love for Argentina began during the 1978 FIFA World Cup and has only grown stronger over the decades. As Argentina prepare for their Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde, he believes La Albiceleste are on course to lift the World Cup once again.

FIFA World Cup 2026: 'In Messi we trust', Argentina have super-fan in Czech countryside

Kylian Mbappe scripted history with two goals as France beat Sweden 3-0 to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. They will face Paraguay next. Mbappe's two goals meant that he now holds the record of scoring the most goals in World Cup knockout matches. He also tied Lionel Messi for most goals in FIFA World Cup 2026 till now. Bradley Barcola scored the other goal for France.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe fires France into World Cup last 16

While International teams fight on the pitch, China's manufacturing grid is quietly supplying nearly 70% of everything from official match balls to fast-selling fan collectibles like Lionel Messi merchandise. 

FIFA World Cup 2026: World Cup boosts toys' sales in China

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi's birthday was celebrated across the world, including in Kolkata.


Messi Turns 39: Fans Celebrates Messi's Birthday With Cakes And Banners

The World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race is heating up as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland battle for scoring supremacy. With goals flowing and records at stake, the fight for football's most coveted individual prize is only getting more intense. The question now is who can keep delivering when the pressure peaks.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Race For Golden Boot at the FIFA World Cup Heats Up 

Lionel Messi has surpassed Miroslave Klose's tally of 16 World Cup goals by scoring a brace against Austria. Messi now has 18 World Cup goals, while Kylian Mbappe is on 16.


Messi Scores Brace to Become the Top Scorer in FIFA World Cup History

Lionel Messi made World Cup history as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0, with the Argentine superstar overtaking Miroslav Klose to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer. Messi's brace also helped Argentina book their place in the last 32 of FIFA World Cup 2026. Whereas, France secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Iraq in a match briefly disrupted by a thunderstorm. 

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi Breaks World Cup Record | Storm Halts France-Iraq Match

A towering 70-foot statue of football legend Lionel Messi has been removed from its pedestal in Kolkata after authorities raised safety concerns. Officials said the massive structure was swaying during strong winds, prompting the Public Works Department to dismantle it as a precautionary measure. The statue had become a popular attraction among football fans in the city, which is known for its passion for the sport. The decision was taken to prevent any potential accidents and ensure public safety.


Kolkata's Giant Messi Statue Removed After Safety Concerns Over Strong Winds

Donald Trump met football legend Lionel Messi at the White House and sparked a debate about the greatest player in football history. Trump discussed whether Messi has surpassed Brazilian icon Pelé as the GOAT, reigniting one of football’s most passionate global debates.

Trump Meets Messi at White House, Discusses If Messi Surpassed Pele

Lionel Messi's visit to India was his second after 2011. The tour opened with a statue unveiling, followed by utter chaos in Kolkata. While his visits to Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi were relatively smoother, some moments from the tour went viral on social media.


GOAT India tour 2025: Messi was accompanied by Luis Suarez & Rodrigo de Paul 

West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas resigned on Tuesday after the government ordered an investigation into the chaotic events during Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour event at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.


Messi's Kolkata visit row: Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas tenders resignation

Lionel Messi meets Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium. Sachin gifts Messi an Indian cricket jersey with his name on it. Messi also meets Sunil Chhetri, the legendary Indian football team captain.

Footballing legend Lionel Messi meets cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar in Wankhede Stadium

Lionel Messi’s India tour got off to a chaotic start in Kolkata as angry and disappointed fans broke down barricades and stormed the pitch after the football superstar abruptly left the arena.


Lionel Messi's India tour starts in chaos, chief organiser arrested after fan unrest

Argentina football icon Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata for the highly-anticipated 'GOAT Tour' of India on Saturday at 2:30 AM. The 2022 FIFA World Cup-winner is all set to participate in different activities in Kolkata and will leave for Hyderabad on the same day, in the first leg of the three-day tour. A giant 70ft statue of Messi is set to be unveiled at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata, in an outstanding tribute to the 38-year-old. Kolkata Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, legendary Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and superstar actor Shah Rukh Khan are also set to be present at the event in Kolkata.


Messi in India: Angry fans throw bottles, chairs after blink-and-miss Messi event 

Messi in India: Kolkata event organiser Satadru Dutta arrested after 2 hours of questioning 

Messi in India: Fans throw bottles, chairs after blink and miss Messi event

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed shock and deep regret over the chaotic scenes during Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The event descended into unrest as fans, frustrated by poor management and Messi’s brief appearance, broke security protocols, threw chairs and bottles, and vandalized the stadium. Banerjee apologized to Messi and fans, acknowledging the mismanagement and disappointment. 

Breaking: West Bengal CM Expresses Shock at Messi Visit Chaos in Kolkata

Lionel Messi has officially extended his contract with Inter Miami, keeping the Argentine star in Major League Soccer for the foreseeable future. But with Cristiano Ronaldo still cashing massive paychecks in Saudi Arabia, who truly sits atop football’s rich list? We break down their latest contracts, sponsorship deals, and total earnings to find out who’s really winning off the pitch — Messi or Ronaldo.


Messi Extends Inter Miami Contract but Does Ronaldo Still Earn More?

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