Lionel Messi appreciated with a statue

Barcelona star Lionel Messi may have abruptly ended his international career after yet again losing out in the final of a major tournament, but that has not stopped Argentina from giving their due thanks to the attacker.

The Albiceleste lost to Chile on penalties in the Copa America final for the second year in a row, adding to the misery they suffered in the 2014 World Cup at the hands of Germany.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner announced immediately after the game that his international career is over.

Argentina fans, Diego Maradona and Mauricio Macri, the country's president, have all pleaded with the Barcelona star to remain with the national team since his announcement.

And the government of Argentina's capital city, Buenos Aires, has taken new steps to try to convince him to turn out for Gerardo Martino's men in the future by unveiling a statue of him.