Published on 11:04 AM, September 02, 2016

Football: Argentina fans show their love for Messi

Argentina football player Sergio Aguero celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi. File Photo: AFP

The Barcelona wizard wasted no time in announcing his return to international football after ending his short-lived retirement, breaking the Celeste open in the first half

Lionel Messi struck the only goal of the game as 10-man Argentina secured a 1-0 win over rivals Uruguay in World Cup qualifying. 

Just over two months after retiring from international football, a decision he later reversed, Messi was the hero for Argentina in Mendoza.

The win sends Argentina above Uruguay and to the top of the qualification standings after seven games. 

Here are some of the images of fans expressing their love for Leo.

"Messi, thank you for staying with us" Image: Goal.com
"Thank you Lio, my dream of meeting the greatest has come true" Image: Goal.com
Messi doesn't quit" Image: Goal.com
The Barcelona star was also present in cut-out form at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas. Image: Goal.com
"Lio, thank you for so much and forgive me for giving you so little" Image: Goal.com
The captain's No. 10 shirt was easily spotted in the stands as well as on the pitch on Thursday. Image: Goal.com
Entire families appeared wearing Leo's number on a special night in Mendoza. Image: Goal.com