The Rosario derby between Rosario Central and Newell's Old Boys featured an emotional moment dedicated to Lionel Messi, with Ángel Di María becoming the central figure in the crowd's reaction. The match, played at the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, was paused in the 10th minute by order of referee Yael Falcón Pérez following confirmation of Messi's retirement from the Argentina national team after the 2026 World Cup, as reported by El Comercio PE Deporte Total. The tribute to the 39-year-old player generated a divided response among the fans in attendance.
How did the crowd react at the Gigante de Arroyito?
The initiative for a minute of silence, quickly dubbed the 'Messi Minute', was not received unanimously. Initially, a section of the crowd responded with whistles, a gesture linked to Messi's historical connection with rival club Newell's Old Boys, where he played as a child. However, the atmosphere in the stadium shifted quickly. The initial reaction gave way to a more complex scene where applause mixed with dissent.
A significant portion of the public chose to applaud the career of the world champion captain. But the most striking turn came when another section of the crowd began chanting the name of Ángel Di María. The chants highlighted the important trajectory and successes of 'Fideo' with the national team, shifting the focus of the planned tribute to another of Argentine football's great idols in recent years.
In what sporting context did this episode occur?
This derby, with its symbolically charged moment, takes place during an irregular season for Rosario Central. The team currently sits in seventh place in the Liga Profesional Argentina with 11 points, from 3 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses in 7 games. Their goal difference is +1, having scored 8 and conceded 7. In the title race, El Canalla is 5 points behind the leader, Argentinos Juniors.
The team's recent form is a cause for concern. Rosario Central is coming off two consecutive defeats, including a 1-2 loss to Gimnasia La Plata on August 29th. Their record in the last five matches is 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses (LLDDW). This performance contrasts with the need to add points for the season's objectives.
What's next on Rosario Central's schedule?
Attention now turns to the next round of the tournament. The team must prepare for a tough challenge as visitors against Tigre, who currently sit fifth in the table. That match is scheduled for September 13th and represents a key opportunity to break the negative streak and regain ground in the standings. Fans can follow the team's progress and check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
The squad managed by Carlos Tevez will look to leave this difficult moment behind and capitalize on the spirit shown in a derby that, regardless of the result, will be remembered for its unique tribute. To analyze individual performance, supporters have detailed statistics available in our stats section. The match against Tigre will be the next test for a team that needs to demonstrate consistency.
