Messi returns to the Argentina national team.
The 29-year-old striker has reversed his decision to retire from international football after discussions with the new national team head coach, Edgardo Bauza.
Lionel Messi unexpectedly announced his retirement from the national team after their defeat in the 2016 Copa America final.
But new head coach Edgardo Bauza recently stated that he would personally go to Barcelona to persuade Messi to return as captain. And he has officially decided to continue his international playing career.
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New coach Bauza's efforts, including going to Barcelona to meet Messi and Barca in person to persuade the Argentine superstar to return, have yielded the desired results. |
"I see many problems with Argentinian football, and I don't want to create another one," Messi explained in a statement on Friday, August 12.
He continued: "I don't want to cause any harm to the team. I always try to contribute to the team wherever I can."
"We need to make a lot of adjustments to the Argentine football system. But I want to contribute to that from within, and I won't stand on the sidelines and criticize," Messi added.
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Messi wants to contribute to the progress of Argentinian football by reversing his decision to end his international career and returning to the national team. Photo: Reuters. |
The captain also affirmed that it was his love for Argentinian football that convinced him to return and participate in the World Cup qualifying campaign.
“Many things went through my mind on that sad day of the 2016 Copa America final, and I seriously considered the decision to retire. But I love my country, and I love the national team jersey very much. I thank everyone who wants me to continue playing for Argentina. I hope we can soon bring them the joy of victory,” Messi emphasized.
With his decision to return, Messi was immediately included in the Argentina national team squad preparing for the upcoming two matches: against Uruguay on September 6th and Venezuela on September 11th.
According to VNE
