Argentina fans demand Messi return

Hundreds of Argentines protested in pouring rain in Buenos Aires, demanding Lionel Messi return to the national team after he unexpectedly quit following a loss in the Copa America final.

Messi, a five-time World Player of the Year, has played in three Copa America finals, in 2007, 2015, and 2016, as well as in the 2014 World Cup final, losing every time.

During the finals match with rival Chile last week, he missed Argentina's opening penalty in the shootout after the game ended 0-0 and was in tears sitting near the team dugout.

"I think this is it. It's over for me on the team," he said shortly after the match.

Nevertheless, Argentines, at the urging of public figures such as President Mauricio Macri and Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona, gathered Saturday evening around the Obelisco, a monument on one of Buenos Aires' central avenues where fans traditionally celebrate sporting victories.