Argentina gives Messi a minute of applause: When number 10 becomes an eternal symbol

This weekend, across all football pitches in Argentina, a special ritual will take place. In the 10th minute of each match, the referee will stop play, and the entire crowd will stand and applaud. Not to celebrate a goal, not to protest any decision. It is a tribute to Lionel Messi – who has just officially retired from the Argentina national team after more than two decades of dedication. That moment, when the whole stadium erupts in applause like a symphony, will not be just a sporting event. It is the recognition of an entire nation for the hero who changed the history of their football. The number 10 – the number associated with Messi's name – becomes a symbol of greatness, of dreams nurtured from the small streets of Rosario. The context of this ritual stems from the decision of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). After Messi announced his retirement from the national team, AFA planned a special tribute. Instead of a grand ceremony, they chose to spread the sentiment to every match, every level of domestic football. From the professional league, women's league, futsal to beach football, all will dedicate a minute of applause in the 10th minute – the legendary shirt number of Messi. Specific matches mentioned in this plan include the match between Velez Sarsfield and Boca Juniors, as well as the derby between Rosario Central and Newell's Old Boys – the two clubs Messi was associated with in his childhood. This is a meaningful detail, as their hero is honored right where he began nurturing his football dream. Looking back at Messi's journey, one cannot ignore the historic milestones. He led Argentina to win the 2026 Copa América, ending a 28-year wait for the fans. And the pinnacle was the 2026 World Cup title in Qatar, where he brought Argentina back to the top of the world after 36 years. These titles are not just personal achievements, but the affirmation of a generation of talented players, and above all, the pride of an entire nation. However, behind this tribute ritual, there is a perspective that not everyone notices. Dedicating a minute of applause in the 10th minute could be seen as a formalistic gesture, repeated in every match. But in reality, it is the most sincere way Argentines express their respect. They do not need flowery speeches, they do not need bronze statues. They just need a moment for the whole stadium to turn to their hero and say: "Thank you, Messi." This reminds me of how Vietnamese football once honored its legends. When Le Cong Vinh retired, fans gave him endless applause. When Nguyen Quang Hai left, a whole young generation tried to follow. But perhaps, we have never had a ritual as communal and widespread as what Argentina is doing. That is a lesson in appreciating those who have dedicated their youth to the national colors. From the perspective of someone who follows youth football, I realize that rituals like this have a profound impact on the next generation. When a 10-year-old boy in Rosario sees the whole stadium applauding Messi, he will understand that football is not just about winning, but also about respect and gratitude. That will nurture his dreams, and maybe one day, that boy will become a new star, honored by the whole country in a similar way. In the dust of time, I dig out a pair of gloves still beating. That is the image of young goalkeepers at Vietnamese football academies, who are training day and night to become great guardians. They may never reach Messi's stature, but they deserve to be respected in their own way. And perhaps, we also need to learn how to create such tribute moments, so that silent contributions are never forgotten. The World Cup is brilliant, but I still look down. Down there, gems are falling. Those are talented young players in grassroots tournaments, who have never worn the national team shirt but still dedicate themselves to their passion. They also deserve recognition, even if no tribute ritual is held for them. But perhaps, the most important thing is not external recognition, but the pride in their own hearts. As I write these lines, I remember a quote I once read: "Each academy is a relic. Each generation of players is a cultural layer. I am just a recorder." And indeed, I am just a recorder, documenting the historic moments of football. But I believe that my records will help future generations understand the value of dedication, and know how to appreciate those who made history. The minute of applause for Messi this weekend will end, but his legacy will last forever. And perhaps, what we need to learn from Argentina is not just how to honor a legend, but how to nurture new legends. Because, as I said, football never stops beating. It just waits for those who are passionate enough to continue writing new pages of history.