Argentine Football Matches Suspended Following Pope Francis' Death

All professional football matches scheduled in Argentina for Monday, April 21, have been suspended by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) following the death of Pope Francis, according to official league communications. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, an avid supporter of San Lorenzo, passed away in Rome at the age of 88, prompting a national moment of mourning.

The suspension affects nine matches, including three in the Liga Profesional, two from the Primera Nacional, one in the Primera B Metropolitana, and three from Primera C. According to the league’s statement, all fixtures —with the exception of Argentinos Juniors vs. Barracas Central, which was rescheduled— will now be played on Tuesday at their originally set times.

The revised schedule will kick off at 3:30 p.m. with Sacachispas vs. Acassuso, Centro Español vs. Luján, Sportivo Barracas vs. Victoriano Arenas, and Central Ballester vs. Deportivo Paraguayo. Later in the evening, Defensores de Belgrano will face Temperley at 5:10 p.m., followed by Tigre vs. Belgrano and Argentinos Juniors vs. Barracas Central at 7:00 p.m. The day concludes with Ferro vs. Atlanta at 9:10 p.m. and Independiente Rivadavia vs. Aldosivi at 9:15 p.m.

All matches will begin with a minute of silence to honor Pope Francis. The announcement comes just days after another Apertura match —Atlético Tucumán vs. Independiente— was postponed due to heavy rainfall. That fixture has yet to be rescheduled, as both teams face tight timelines with upcoming league and continental commitments.