Argentina fans beg Lionel Messi not to retire

Argentina fans have begged Lionel Messi not to retire following Copa America defeat.

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

Dozens of die-hard Argentina fans welcomed home the national team on Monday after Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America.

Fans waited at the Ezeiza airport, many holding signs begging star Lionel Messi with the hope he will reconsider his decision.

Although Messi will continue to play club football for Barcelona, his exit from international football is a concept many are struggling to get their heads around.

“It’s super-sad. I don’t want Messi to go because he is a great player, the best in the world and he has to be on the Argentine team,“said fan Carol Mariana Lugo.

Eight-year-old Thiago Kerbel wrote Messi a letter asking him to stay.

“I want him to stay, he is my idol, without him the team is nothing and that is everything,” he said.

Messi’s fans have also filled the internet with messages for the star regarded as one of the all-time greats. Many hashtags have been used in both Spanish and English. including, #DontGoLio #MessiRetires #StayMessi and #ComeBackMessi.