Lionel Messi shocked the football world when he announced his international retirement after the Albiceleste's Copa America final defeat, and now even Argentina's president has begged the superstar to rethink his decision.
Read: Maradona Comments On Messi's Retirement
The 29-year-old was distraught after the 4-2 penalty shootout defeat, during which he missed the first spot-kick for his side, against Chile, and announced it was his last game for his national team.
The news has caused a massive uproar in his home country, with fans and legends insisting the Argentina captain should not retire yet.
The country's president, Mauricio Macri, has now revealed that he called Messi to tell him to "ignore some of the nonsense", according to The New York Times.
Macri, who is a former president of Argentina giants Boca Juniors, says he wants to meet Messi in person in order to persuade him to rethink his decision.
"The truth is that it's good fortune, a joy, a gift from God to have the best player in the world in a country like ours that is so football-crazy," he added.
The defeat against Chile was the fourth final Messi had lost with the national team, having already missed out on the 2007 Copa, the 2014 FIFA World and last year's Copa against the same opponents.
"The national team is over for me," a broken Messi told Argentine TV network TyC Sports after the game.
"It's been four finals, it's not meant for me. I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn't get it, so I think it's over."
Gallery: Messi Other Stars Who Retired Too Early
Overall, Messi has made 113 appearances for Argentina and recently became the country's all-time record scorer after netting his 55th goal in Argentina's Copa semi-final win over the USA.
Do you think Messi will rethink his Argentina retirement? Have your say in the comments section below.
