Fans Begged Messi Not To Quit National Team

Messi shocked Argentina and the whole world with his unexpected resignation after Chile defeated Argentina 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw on Sunday.

Apart from the humiliation of being beaten on penalties for a second time by their neighbours, they were gutted at the news of what online wags were calling “LeoMexit” – Messi’s announced retirement from international service. 

Argentine Team arrived home on Monday with dozens of emotional fans wearing the white and sky-blue striped jerseys of the national team, adorned with Messi's number 10, waiting in the rain for the team to arrive back from the tournament in the United States.

Some followed the team bus along the road leading from the airport to the Argentine Football Association complex. They waved flags, chanted, "Messi is not leaving!" and carried banners. One of them read: "Messi: I love you more than I love my mom."

Although Messi could not be seen on the bus, AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo confirmed to The Associated Press that he had arrived in Buenos Aires with the rest of the team.

Some fans, players, and even Argentina's president and the country's greatest player Diego Maradona asked Messi to reconsider. Other supporters on Monday were simply sad that one of the all-time greats is departing the national team prematurely.

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