After revealing his intention to retire from international football last month, the response has been clear that many wish Lionel Messi to continue to play for Argentina.
The Barcelona star was speaking after the heartbreak of losing in the Copa America final to Chile, as he confirmed that he would no longer feature for the Albiceleste.
While various figures have since called on him to continue, Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message to his long-time rival insisting that he would like to see him play on for his country.
“He’s taken a tough decision and people must understand it,” he said, as noted by Mundo Deportivo.
“Messi isn’t used to defeats or disappointments: not even finishing second. Missing a penalty doesn’t make you a bad player.
“It’s not nice seeing Messi in tears and I hope he returns to the national side.”
Argentina have gone 23 years without a major trophy, with Messi now losing in four finals, the 2014 World Cup and three Copa Americas in 2007, 2015 and 2016.
In turn, it’s understandable as to why he feels that it might be the right decision to walk away from the Argentine national team, particularly in the immediate aftermath of such disappointment having missed a penalty in the shoot-out with Chile.
However, Ronaldo has put his club rivalry aside with the Barca talisman, and insisted that he hopes that he will reconsider his decision.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese star has overcome a slow start to Euro 2016 where he was receiving significant criticism to help play his role in their run to the semi-finals of the tournament.
The Portuguese take on Wales in the first semi-final on Wednesday night, with a potential final against Germany or France awaiting them if they win.