Fans of Argentinean soccer were already upset Sunday when the nation lost to Chile in a penalty shootout in the Copa America for the second straight year. Then the real shockwave hit.

Soon after blasting a penalty kick well over the crossbar, star Lionel Messi announced he was finished with the international team. His work was done.

Obviously this was thought of as an emotional response, and the player regarded as the best in the world would clear things up and end the madness once the loss cooled off. But as Tuesday rolled around and Messi was still retired, some powerful people in Argentina started to panic.

Argentina President Mauricio Macri was one of them.

"I don't understand, the truth is that he brings us luck, he brings joy to our lives and it is a gift from God to have the best player in the world for a country that is as football-mad as we are," Marci said.

Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, the mayor of Buenos Aires, joined the plea as well.

"As a football fan, Lio, I am asking you to please reconsider your decision," the mayor said. "As a show of our love and support we are going to inaugurate a statue in Costanera Sur's Paseo de la Gloria."

The city also posted transit signs that read "Don't go Lio" on its main streets and at subway entrances.