Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has opened up about the letter he sent to Lionel Messi, who wanted to retire from international football in 2016.
Messi had announced he would be hanging up his boots on the international scene after Argentina's loss to Chile in the Copa America final seven years ago.
Fernandez, who was a kid at the team, penned message to Messi on Facebook about reversing his decision.
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"Do what you want, Lionel, but please think about staying. Stay and have fun. In a world of ridiculous pressures, they manage to get the most noble thing out of the game, the fun. Seeing you play with the light blue and white is the greatest pride in the world. Play for fun, because when you're having fun, you have no idea how much fun we have. Thank you and forgive us," Fernandez wrote on Facebook.
The Chelsea midfielder has now revealed he the wrote the plea after his countryman was heavily criticised by the media.
"I remember we went through tough times with the squad, and the press criticised Leo so harshly. I tried to explain how I feel about him," Fernandez told the Chelsea website.
I asked him to stay, as he said he wouldn't play for the team any more. I defended him to stay with us, playing for the squad. I was pretty young back then! He means a lot to everyone in the world. He's a legend for Argentina.
"He's a loved person, an idol for all Argentinians, for our children. As a person, I have no complaints about him. He's always given me so much love. He's always respected me and was a great team-mate in all senses. I'm very thankful for having played with him."
Messi eventually reversed the decision and went on to lead the Agentine national side to the FIFA World Cup and Copa America in the last two years.
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