Presidential bid to lure Messi back to the field
The president of Argentina says he hopes to meet Lionel Messi next week and convince him to return to the national team.
Lionel Messi dramatically retired from international football. Photo: LARRY W. SMITH, EPA.
Argentine President Mauricio Macri said overnight he had spoken by telephone with Messi, who announced his shock resignation from the Argentine national team following the loss on Sunday to Chile in the Copa America final in the United States.
Messi returned on Monday to Argentina, but has not spoken publicly.
Macri said he told Messi to “ignore some of the nonsense because, truth be told, we are all very happy” with how the Barcelona star has played for Argentina.
Messi has often faced tough criticism in Argentina because he has failed to deliver the country a major title, which he’s done repeatedly for his Barcelona club.
-AP
