Argentines take to streets, demand Messi return to national team

People gather at the Republic Square to request soccer player Lionel Messi not to quit the national football team, in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, July 2, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

"There's a saying that there's a Messi every 500 million years and we're enjoying that, so we have to be grateful that we live in this time," said fan Santiago Bordero.

After Argentina's loss against Chile in the final, which took place in New Jersey, Messi returned to Argentina and spent time in his native city of Rosario. He then went to the Bahamas on vacation, while many Argentines awaited further statements from the star.

Argentina's national squad returns to action in September when it takes on traditional rival Uruguay in a qualifying stage match for the 2018 World Cup.

Ranked third among teams in South America's CONMEBOL soccer federation, Argentina is currently qualifying. However, after the team scored only five of 12 goals in its last four matches when Messi was out due to injury, Argentines had been anxious to see him return to the field.

"He has to come back - excuse the emotion - but it's what I feel," said Juan Alberto Salas. "For me, he's exceptional, a god."