Messi back in Argentina squad
LIONEL MESSI has been named in Argentina’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, just hours after he reversed his decision to quit international football.
The Barcelona playmaker announced on Friday he loves Argentina “too much” to walk away, having previously announced his Albiceleste career was over following their penalty shoot-out loss to Chile in the Copa America Final in June.
Following talks with new Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza, Messi was included in the squad to face Uruguay and Venezuela next month.
Messi, Argentina’s record goalscorer with 55, said: “There are many problems in Argentinian football and I don’t intend to create another one.
“I don’t want to cause any damage, I’ve always tried to do just the opposite, to help all that I can.
“We need to fix many things, but I prefer to do this from inside and not criticise from outside.”
Messi said he was quitting international football after missing a penalty in the shoot-out at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
That would have left Messi – one of the most decorated players in history at club level with Barca – having never won a major trophy with Argentina.
As well as June’s defeat to Chile, the reigning FIFA Ballon d’Or also tasted defeat in the 2007 and 2015 Copa America Finals, as well as the World Cup Final in 2014.
He added: “Many things went through my head the day of the last final and I seriously thought of leaving, but I love this country and this shirt too much.
“I’m grateful to all the people who wanted me to continue playing with Argentina. Hopefully we can give them something to cheer about soon.”
Argentina face Uruguay at home on September 1 and Venezuela away five days later.
The squad also featured Manchester City trio Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta and Nicolas Otamendi, Manchester United pair Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo, Ramiro Funes Mori of Everton and Tottenham’s Erik Lamela.