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.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 Jerseys From China .C. -- Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Bobcats got off to a fast start, and the Sacramento Kings were never quite able to catch up. Wholesale Authentic Jerseys . The Lightning are 2-0 so far on a four-game road trip, giving the club five straight wins as the guest and improving Tampas away record this season to 11-8-2. http://www.cheapfootballjerseys.us.org/ . -- Mike Smith never saw his first NHL goal go in. Football Jerseys Sale . Hazard cut in from the left and scored with a swerving right-footed shot for ninth goal of the season, which proved to be enough for the victory despite Chelseas forwards again lacking a cutting edge up front. Cheap Football Jerseys China . - Chris Tierney snapped a tie with a power-play goal late in the third period as the London Knights rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Erie Otters 5-3 in Ontario Hockey League action on Wednesday. PHILADELPHIA -- Oklahoma and Temple have agreed to a three-game football series starting in 2024.The Sooners will host games on Aug. 31, 2024, and Sept. 2, 2028.The Owls will host the middle game on Sept. 13, 2025. Temple plays its home games at an NFL stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and has mmade an aggressive push to build its own on-campus stadium.ddddddddddddThe Sooners and Owls have met twice. OU beat the Owls 9-6 in 1940 and Temple won 14-7 in 1942. ' ' '