Lionel Messi Statue Unveiled In Buenos Aires As Prez Mauricio Hopes To Hook Him Out Of Retirement

The Mayor of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, has unveiled a Lionel Messi Statue as part of its ‘Don’t Leave’ campaign to tempt Messi to reconsider his
decision after the Argentina captain called time on his International career.
Messi affirmed the national team “was over” for him after losing to Chile in the Copa America final, Argentina’s third defeat in as many years.
But Larreta had pleaded with the No. 10 to stay in a video released on social media after the announcement, and stepped up the campaign with the bronze statue.

Argentina President Mauricio Macri said he had spoken by telephone with Messi after he announced his shock retirement and was hoping to change his mind.
Messi’s likeness now stands on the shores of the Rio de la Plata on the city’s Paseo de la Gloria (Glory Trail), alongside such legends as Emanuel Ginobili, Luciana Aymar, Juan Manuel Fangio and Hugo Porta.  See more photos after the cut…