According to Argentine media outlet Olé, the Rosario derby between Rosario Central and Newell's Old Boys was paused in the 10th minute. On instructions from the Argentine Football Association, a tribute was held for Messi, who had just announced his retirement from the Argentine national team.

When the tribute began, Rosario Central star Di María immediately stopped to applaud his longtime national team teammate and friend Messi. Other Rosario Central players subsequently joined in to applaud Messi.

Given Messi's deep connection with Newell's Old Boys, Rosario Central's arch-rivals, the reactions of the home fans were mixed. Some Rosario Central supporters stood to applaud Messi, showing respect for the Argentine legend, while others remained silent and chanted "Di María! Di María!" to honour their own club's legendary star.

The Argentine Football Association had previously decided that all matches in the current round of the domestic league would include a 10th-minute tribute to Messi to honour his contributions to the Argentine national team over the years.

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