Messi contacted to reverse his Argentina retirement

After the president of Argentina, Maurico Macri, provided backing for the Barça striker and asked him to reconsider his decision, there are now numerous friends and acquaintances who are trying to convince Lionel Messi to return playing for the Albiceleste.

The 29-year-old announced his retirement for Argentina after losing the Copa America 2016 final to Chile last Sunday, his fourth final loss with his country.

One of the people to contact Messi is journalist Marcelo Tinelli - one of the most famous television presenters of Argentina - who in his 'ShowMatch' programme revealed publicly the conversation via WhatsApp he had with 'La Pulga', now in Rosario relaxing with his family. During the broadcast, Tinelli said he had held a brief chat with the Argentine talisman.

"I talked [with him] through WhatsApp and we'll talk again [in the future]," said the presenter.

When asked whether there were options for Messi to return to the Albiceleste squad, Tinelli added: "Yes, obviously he has a future [with Argentina]. We all want him back, I hope that he remains in the Argentina team - we want this very much."

"Leo is a phenomenon, I hope he continues being so always."