BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — The president of Argentina says he hopes to meet Lionel Messi next week and convince him to return to the national team.
Argentine President Mauricio Macri said Tuesday he had spoken by telephone with Messi, who announced his shock resignation from the Argentine national team following the loss Sunday to Chile in the Copa America final in the United States.
Messi returned Monday to Argentina, but has not spoken publicly.
Marci 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.
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