Just six weeks after announcing his retirement from international football, Lionel Messi has seemingly been coaxed back into the Argentinian national fold.
The Barcelona star had previously waved goodbye to the side immediately after a devastating Copa America final loss to Chile, his sixth tournament final defeat with La Albiceleste over the countries astoundingly poor 23 year trophy drought.
Lionel Messi Returns
After a period of reflection, the 29 year old U-turned on his retirement, with the Argentinian FA releasing a statement on Friday. In that statement, Messi explained:
I said that there are many problems in Argentine football and I do not intend to create one more. I do not want to cause any damage. I always try and do the opposite and to help in any way I can.
There is a lot to fix in our Argentine football but I prefer to do it from within rather than criticising from the outside. ‘There were many things in my head on the day of the final and I seriously thought about quitting, but I love my country and this shirt too much.
I thank all those people who want me to continue playing with Argentina. Hopefully we can give some joy soon.
New Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza had previously hinted that the return of the countries greatest player looked on the cards. Even in a squad brimming with class, Messi’s absence represented a bitter blow in the countries bid to qualify, and indeed win the World Cup in 2018.