Buenos Aires Government Unveil Lionel Messi Statue

Just days after Lionel Messi dramatically called time on his international Career, he has had a statue erected in his honour in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Following Argentina's Copa America final loss to Chile on penalties last Sunday, the Barcelona legend shocked the footballing world by retiring from international competition. Despite him failing to capture any major honours for his country, the Argentinians are in a state of national mourning.

Teammate Sergio Aguero claimed the 29-year-old was the worst he's ever seen him in a dressing room after a game. Was the decision fueled by emotion?

Well, president Mauricio Macri is hoping so as he expects to sit down with Messi and persuade him to make a U-turn. On Tuesday, Macri unveiled a statue of Messi which is also part of a campaign to lure him out of retirement.

The 'Don't Go' campaign has also been supported by 'La Albiceleste' 1986 World Cup winning team, yet had a noticeable absentee; Diego Maradona. The captain of their triumph in Mexico has openly criticised the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. The pair are often compared sparking fierce debates.

Macri has already held talks with him via phone but anticipates a face-to-face meeting, saying;

"Ignore some of the nonsense because, truth be told, we are all very happy with how the Barcelona star has played for Argentina. The truth is that it's good fortune, a joy, a gift from God to have the best player in the world in a country like ours that is so football crazy."

Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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