BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- The president of Argentina said Tuesday he hopes to meet Lionel Messi next week and convince him to return to the national team. France World Cup Jerseys .President Mauricio Macri said he had spoken by telephone with Messi, who announced his shock retirement from the Argentine national team following the loss Sunday to Chile on penalty kicks in the Copa America final in the United States.Messi returned Monday to Argentina, but has not spoken publicly.Macri 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, who moved to Barcelona at age 13, has often faced tough criticism in Argentina because he has failed to deliver the country a major title -- in contrast to his repeated success at Barcelona.He is often compared unfavorably to Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title.Macri said he didnt understand the criticism of Messi.The truth is that its 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, said Macri, a former president of Argentine club Boca Juniors.Macris lobbying could be helped by a gathering planned Saturday at the obelisk in central Buenos Aires, the citys most famous landmark.Support for Messi has been overwhelming on social media with sports figures, artists and politicians urging him to return. Billboards and signs across the city are also asking him to stay.In the midst of the turmoil, the Buenos Aires city hall unveiled a statue of Messi -- with a football at his foot -- alongside other national sports stars.In another show of support, some members of Argentinas 1986 World Cup team posed for a photograph that contained a written plea: Dont Go Lio.Maradona, the biggest star on that team, was not in the photo.TV commentators have speculated that Messi spoke out in frustration after Sundays 4-2 loss on penalties to Chile following a scoreless draw.The national team is over for me, Messi told Argentine network TyC Sports. Its been four finals, its not meant for me. I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldnt get it, so I think its over.It didnt help that Messi himself lifted Argentinas first penalty kick over the crossbar, setting the stage for another final defeat. Messi and Argentina lost to Brazil in the 2007 Copa final and to Germany in extra time in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil. They lost last years Copa final to host Chile on penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw. Cheap Benjamin Mendy Jersey . -- Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Alrdridge were again the go-to duo for the Trail Blazers against the Kings. Cheap Djibril Sidibe Jersey . In taking its goal tally to 99 in all competitions already this season, City delivered another demonstration of its lethal firepower at Etihad Stadium to set up a fourth-round match at home to another second-tier team -- Watford. http://www.cheapfrancesoccerjerseys.com/?tag=cheap-paul-pogba-jersey . Louis Blues teammates who would also be participating in the Olympics, Alex Pietrangelo felt right at home, no different in some ways to the travel experience of any old road trip – save for the length of the journey, that is. BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- Michael de Leeuw had a goal and an assist, Arturo Alvarez scored and the Chicago Fire beat the Philadelphia Union 3-0 on Saturday night.Matt Polster tapped a pass to de Leeuw near the spot and Philadelphias Roland Alberg poked it past goalkeeper John McCarthy for an own goal in the 22nd minute.De Leeuws header doubled the advantage in the 71st. On the breakaway, Razvan Cocis fed Luis Solignac whose shot was stopped by McCarthy, but de Leeuw put awayy the rebound from the right side of the 6-yard box. Cheap Thomas Lemar Jersey. Alvarez, on the feed from de Leeuw, made it 3-0 in the 90th minute.Chicagos Sean Johnson had four saves for his fifth shutout of the season.The Union (11-8-7) had won two in a row and three of its last four.The Fire (6-12-8) have won three straight at home against Philadelphia. Stitched Jerseys Cheap NFL Black Jerseys Stitched Jerseys Cheap NFL Hoodies Jerseys NFL China Discount Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic ' ' '