‘Lionel, Please Think About Staying…’: Enzo Fernandez’s Emotional 2016 Letter to Messi Resurfaces, Leaves Football Fans in Tears

A touching letter written by Enzo Fernandez nearly a decade ago has resurfaced on social media, offering football fans a powerful reminder of the emotional aftermath of Lionel Messi’s brief retirement from international football in 2016.

The letter, penned by Fernandez when he was just 15 years old, came after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat in the Copa America Centenario final. Moments after losing yet another major final with the national team, Messi stunned the football world by announcing his retirement from international football.

The decision sent shockwaves across Argentina and beyond, with fans, former players and football personalities urging the legendary forward to reconsider.

Among those emotional appeals was a young Fernandez, who could never have imagined that one day he would share the pitch with his childhood hero and help Argentina win football’s biggest prizes.

A message filled with admiration

In his emotional letter, Fernandez acknowledged the immense pressure Messi carried every time he represented Argentina.”How are we going to convince you if in our lives we have never had 1% of the pressure that you have on your shoulders,” he wrote.

The young fan also urged fellow Argentinians to reflect on the unrealistic expectations placed on their captain.”Let’s look in the mirror and ask ourselves, what if we demand of ourselves 1% of what we demand of this man.”

His words struck a chord with supporters, highlighting the criticism Messi faced despite consistently delivering world-class performances for both club and country.

‘Please think about staying’

Like millions of Argentinians, Fernandez couldn’t imagine the national team without Messi.

He ended his heartfelt message with an emotional plea that has once again gone viral.”Do what you want, Lionel, but please think about staying. Seeing you play in the Albiceleste is the greatest pride in the world.”

The letter has resurfaced during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Fernandez is now one of Argentina’s key midfielders—a remarkable twist considering he once admired Messi from afar as a teenager.

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Messi’s comeback changed football history

Fortunately for Argentina, Messi reversed his retirement decision just weeks later.

That comeback transformed both his international career and Argentina’s footballing history.

After returning, Messi guided the national team to unprecedented success, including the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2025 Finalissima, and another deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The triumphs completely changed the narrative around his international legacy, silencing years of criticism and cementing his place among the greatest footballers in history.

Fans celebrate the emotional throwback

The resurfaced letter has touched football fans around the world, with many praising Fernandez’s maturity and heartfelt words despite being only 15 years old at the time.

Supporters have also reflected on how close Argentina came to losing Messi’s international career forever—a decision that, had it stood, would have changed the course of football history.

Today, Fernandez and Messi stand side by side in Argentina’s squad, completing a remarkable journey that began with a teenager’s emotional plea and evolved into one of football’s most inspiring stories.