Argentina have 65 days to convince Messi to make U-turn on retirement

September 1, 2016, is the deadline for Argentina to convince Barcelona forward Lionel Messi that he should backtrack on his decision to retire from international football. 

On that day, in the Malvinas Stadium in Buenos Aires, the Albiceleste take on Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier for Russia 2018. And on September 6, Argentina visit Venezuela in Merida.

Therefore, Gerardo Martino, the people in charge at the AFA, Messi's team-mates and the country's fans have 65 days to help Messi overcome the pain of losing a fourth final and to recover his enthusiasm of fighting to win a trophy with his national team.

After missing a penalty in the Copa America final shootout defeat to Chile on Sunday, Messi's pain was unrepairable. He felt a debt to his country, but also torment for being unable to enjoy success with Argentina in the same manner which he has with Barça. Team-mates such as Xavi and Andres Iniesta have allowed him to taste so much glory with his club.

The world of football, surprised firstly by Chile's win, was left in a state of shock by Messi's announcement. It wasn't easy for the Barça man to make the tournament, either, with a court case in Spain and a back injury adding to the constant talk of following in Diego Maradona's footsteps by helping his country win a major trophy.   

Of course, the response was immediate. Argentine newspaper Diario Ole led the way with a #NotevayasLeo campaign (Leo, don't go) - using the preferred Spanish spelling of his name, Leo, not Lio or Lionel. 

Messi now begins four weeks off and will return to training with Barcelona on July 19. He will join up with Luis Enrique's squad when they begin their training camp in England. 

Therefore, he should be in top condition to start the season when La Liga begins again and the Spanish Super Cup rolls around... but also to be called up by Argentina. There are 65 days ahead during which the best player in the world could be convinced that he still has unfinished business ahead of the World Cup in Russia in 2018. 

Argentina are third in qualifying for the World Cup with 11 points from six games. Uruguay and Ecuador have 13 each, while Chile and Colombia have 10.