AFA honors Messi: The 10th minute and the legacy of a legend

When the final whistle blew at the Lusail Stadium, Lionel Messi stood still in the center circle, his eyes gazing into the distance. It was his last time wearing the Argentina shirt, an incomplete ending against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. But what caught my attention was not the tears, but the way the AFA chose to honor him: a minute of applause in the 10th minute of every match. I have followed Messi since his early days, and I know that the number 10 is not just a shirt number, but a part of Argentina's football DNA. When the AFA announced that all matches would pause in the 10th minute to applaud, I realized that this was not just a ritual, but a tactical declaration of how Argentines view their legend. Messi announced his retirement from the national team on Monday, August 14, 2026, via a handwritten note on Instagram. He confirmed that the 2026 World Cup final against Spain was his last match with Argentina. At 39, Messi had a glorious career: debuting for the national team in 2026, becoming Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, appearing in six World Cups, and finally winning the title in 2026. He holds World Cup records for most matches played (34) and most victories (23). In his letter, Messi wrote: "I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give. It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come." The AFA, in a statement on Wednesday, announced the tribute plan: all matches in every men's, women's, and other divisions will pause in the 10th minute of the first half for a minute of applause. Stadiums with video boards must play a tribute video before kickoff. This is an unprecedented move, showing that Messi's influence transcends the boundaries of football. I want to analyze the tactical significance of choosing the 10th minute. In football, the 10th minute is often when the match has settled into a rhythm, and players have begun to adapt to the opponent's tactics. Pausing at this minute can disrupt the flow of the match, but it also creates a sacred moment where everyone turns their attention to one person. I recall the 2026 World Cup final, when Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute. But the 10th minute reminds me of his first goal for Argentina, in 2026, against Serbia and Montenegro, when he came on as a substitute and scored in the 88th minute. No, the 10th minute is not tied to a specific event, but it symbolizes the number 10, the number Messi has worn throughout his career. The AFA may have chosen the 10th minute for this reason, or perhaps they wanted to create a unique ritual, different from what was done for other legends like Diego Maradona. From a tactical perspective, pausing the match in the 10th minute can affect players' psychology. For young players, this is an opportunity to see a legend honored, and it can create motivation. But for coaches, this can be an unwanted disruption, especially in important matches. I have witnessed matches affected by memorial rituals, and I realize that how teams handle this moment can say a lot about their character. A disciplined team will stand respectfully, while a less focused team may lose their rhythm. This is like a psychological test at the start of the match. Furthermore, the AFA's requirement for stadiums to play a tribute video before the match is a notable detail. In the modern football era, where matches are broadcast live to millions, this video is not only for the stadium audience but also for the television audience. This is a way for the AFA to control the message, ensuring that Messi's image is conveyed in the most dignified manner. I remember that after Messi won the 2026 World Cup, there were many controversies about the celebrations, but this time, the AFA has proactively created a controlled ritual, avoiding controversial statements. I also want to analyze the impact of this on Argentina's domestic leagues. Pausing the match in the 10th minute can change the dynamics of the game, especially if a team is on the attack. However, the AFA has decided to apply it to all matches, from the top division to the lower leagues, from men's to women's football. This shows absolute respect for Messi, but it may also cause dissatisfaction from smaller clubs, who may see it as an imposition. I have seen similar decisions in the past, and there are always differing opinions. But with a legend like Messi, perhaps the consensus will be higher. Another perspective: honoring Messi in the 10th minute can be seen as a way for the AFA to "close" an era. After Messi retires, Argentina will have to find a new leader, someone who can replace his role on the pitch. But that is almost impossible. I remember after Maradona retired, Argentina went through a long period without finding a successor. With Messi, they had a hero, but now they face a huge void. Pausing the match in the 10th minute may be a way for the team and fans to accept the fact that Messi will no longer be there. This is a transition ritual, a way to say goodbye. I also want to address the data aspect. According to statistics, Messi has scored 125 goals for Argentina, a record. He has appeared in six World Cups, another record. These numbers are not just achievements, but also proof of his endurance and class. When I analyze Argentina's matches, I always pay attention to how Messi moves, how he creates space for his teammates. He is not just a goalscorer, but also a creator, a great reader of the game. I remember the 2026 World Cup semi-final against Croatia, when Messi made a decisive pass for Julián Álvarez. It was a moment I have watched over and over, and I realized that Messi has the ability to see spaces that others cannot. This is like my saying: "The passer always sees the pass before receiving the ball; I just try to read that thought." I also want to talk about Messi's influence on Vietnamese football. Although he never played in Vietnam, Messi has inspired millions of Vietnamese fans. I remember those sleepless nights watching the World Cup, when the whole country celebrated Argentina's victories. Messi is not just a player, but a symbol of overcoming adversity. For Vietnamese people, he is proof that no matter where you come from, if you have passion and effort, you can achieve great things. The AFA honoring him in the 10th minute is also a message for young Vietnamese players: give your all, and you will be honored. I recall the 2026 World Cup final, when Argentina lost to Germany in extra time. Messi stood looking at the golden trophy, his eyes full of regret. I wrote an analysis of that defeat, and I was wrong to think that Argentina would never win with Messi. But Messi proved me wrong in 2026, when he led Argentina to the title. That reminds me that in football, nothing is absolute. My mistake in 2026 taught me to be more cautious in my predictions. And Messi also learned that, as he never gave up after failures. The AFA's choice of the 10th minute may also be a way to remind everyone of the number 10, but it could also be a way to create a unique ritual, unlike any other. I have researched how other football federations honor their legends. For example, in Brazil, they paused matches to remember Pelé, but not at a specific minute. In Germany, they honored Franz Beckenbauer by naming a stadium. But the AFA chose a different approach, more communal, when all matches stop to applaud. This creates a ripple effect, making the whole country turn to Messi at the same moment. This is a smart media strategy, turning a personal event into a national event. I also want to analyze how players will react in that moment. Some players may be emotional, especially those who have played with Messi. Others may stand still, but in their hearts, they know they are witnessing a historic moment. I remember watching Messi's last match, I saw many Spanish players come to shake his hand, showing respect. That shows that Messi is not only loved in Argentina, but worldwide. Pausing the match in the 10th minute will be a moment where all players, whether opponents or teammates, give him a round of applause. This is a beautiful image, transcending all boundaries. I also want to talk about Messi's role in developing youth football. He has founded a football academy in Argentina, and many young talents have been trained there. The AFA honoring him in the 10th minute may also be a way to encourage young players to follow his example. When they see a legend honored, they will have more motivation to strive. I believe Messi's legacy is not just trophies, but also the generations of players he has inspired. And pausing the match in the 10th minute will be a weekly reminder of that. However, I want to offer a counterintuitive perspective. Pausing the match in the 10th minute may not be a good idea. In modern football, the rhythm of the match is crucial. Stopping suddenly can disrupt players' concentration, especially in tense matches. I have witnessed matches where a moment of silence changed the dynamics, when a team took advantage of the opponent's distraction to score. Moreover, applying it to all matches, including youth leagues, may create an unnecessary burden. Do young players understand the meaning of this ritual, or do they just see it as an interruption? I think the AFA may have been too hasty in making this decision, and they may face backlash from clubs. But I also understand that this is a way to honor a legend, and sometimes, football needs such moments to remind us of the value of dedication. When I look to the future, I wonder if Argentina can find a replacement for Messi. The answer is probably no. But that does not mean Argentine football will end. They have talented young players like Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and many others. They will need to build a new team, not based on an individual, but on the collective. The AFA honoring Messi in the 10th minute may be a way to close a chapter and open a new one. I believe Argentine football will continue to develop, but there will never be a second Messi. And that is normal, because legends like Messi appear only once in a lifetime. When I look back at Messi's career, I realize that he is not just a great player, but also a symbol of perseverance. He has faced failures, but never gave up. The AFA honoring him in the 10th minute is a way to recognize what he has done for Argentine football. But more importantly, it is how we will remember him. I believe, like my saying: "The mistake of 2026 does not disappear; it becomes the yardstick for every prediction of mine." Messi also had mistakes, but he turned them into motivation. And when the 10th minute of every match sounds, we will remember that football is not just about winning, but also about the sacred moments we create to honor those who made history. That is why I will continue to follow football, not just to analyze tactics, but to seek such moments.