Buenos Aires, Argentina — On April 21, 2025, world mourned the death of Pope Francis, leading the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to suspend all scheduled football matches for the day.
The match between Argentinos Juniors and Barracas Central, originally set for the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona at 9:15 PM, will now occur on April 22 at 7:00 PM.
Argentinos Juniors has already qualified for the knockout stage of the Liga Profesional 2025, while Barracas Central still fights for a spot. The home team sits well with two wins and two draws in their last four matches, including a recent 3-0 victory in the Copa Argentina.
In contrast, Barracas Central has gathered 20 points through five wins, five draws, and three losses, although their place in the next round remains uncertain as they suffered a surprising 2-0 defeat recently.
Coach Nicolás Diez of Argentinos Juniors is yet to announce the lineup for the upcoming match, with anticipation surrounding his decisions. Both teams are under pressure as they navigate the last matches leading up to the playoffs.
The AFA announced that in total nine matches will be rescheduled due to Pope Francis’s death, affecting various divisions including Primera Nacional and Primera C Metropolitana, with the majority to be held on April 22 at their original times.
“In a gesture of mourning for the passing of Pope Francis, the three matches scheduled today have been postponed, with a revised match for Argentinos Juniors and Barracas Central at 7 PM,” the Liga Profesional stated in a post. “The other matches will proceed at their originally scheduled times.”
From club accounts, messages poured in to honor the late Pope. The football community is deeply affected, sharing sentiments and tributes for someone who not only held a high spiritual position but was also an ardent football fan, especially supporting his local team, San Lorenzo.
Italy’s Serie A took similar steps, postponing their matches in solidarity, but they have yet to announce rescheduling dates.
As the news settles, fans and players alike prepare to remember Pope Francis, while eagerly awaiting the return of football to the pitch on Tuesday.
