Fans continue to plead for Messi´s return

Argentina´s star player, Lionel Messi, has played in three Copa America finals, in 2007, 2015, and 2016. Though fought hard, Argentina suffered defeats in all of these finals, and this past tournament appears to be the last straw for Lionel Messi.

Right after the Copa America final when Messi missed the penalty shootout, he declared his retirement from Argentina´s soccer team. He said, ´´I think this is it. It´s over for me on the team.´´

However, fans all across Argentina plead for the star´s return to the national team. President Mauricio Macri and ex-soccer player Diego Maradona have been urging Messi´s fans to reach out in support and encouragement.

People have been congregating around a monument called the Obelisco, where many Argentinians celebrate a sporting win. Here, fans brought banners that read ´´No te vayas Lio,´´ which means ´´Lio, don´t go.´´

After the loss in the Copa America, Messi returned to his home city Rosario, and then went on vacation to the Bahamas. All of Argentina waits for further notice from the soccer star as the team anticipates a qualifying game against Uruguay for the 2018 World Cup.