Lionel Messi: Argentina supporters gather in Buenos Aires to plead for their hero to return to international football

HUNDREDS of Argentinians gathered in rainy Buenos Aires to plead with Lionel Messi to reconsider his decision to retire from international football.

Magical Messi retired from Argentina in emotional scenes after the Copa America final last month, in which La Albiceleste lost to Chile on penalties in devastating fashion. Messi had missed a spot-kick in the final.

In the aftermath of the game, Messi – Argentina’s record scorer with 55 goals – shockingly called time on international football at the age of 29.

Though he has won everything at club level for Barcelona, there is plenty of space in his international trophy cabinet. He has been on the losing side in four major finals – three Copa America’s and the 2014 World Cup.

His only major international honour is Olympic gold at the 2008 Games.

At the request of famous figures such as President Mauricio Macri and Argentina legend Diego Maradona, hundreds gathered on Saturday evening around the Obelisco, a monument in Buenos Aires where fans traditionally celebrate sporting victories.

Messi said while announcing his retirement last month: “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion.

“It’s been four finals, I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over.

“I think there’s a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it.

“It’s very hard, but the decision is taken. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back.”