Lionel Messi reverses decision to retire from international football

messi-argentina
messi-argentina

Argentine star striker Lionel Messi has reversed his decision to retire from international football for the ‘love’ of his country.

The 29-year-old announced his shocking retirement from international football in the wake of Argentina’s defeat in the final of Copa America in June. Despite participating in four major finals with his country, the Barcelona star man has failed to win a single international trophy.

However, after just 2 months since declaring his intention to end his association with the national team, Messi has now been included in Argentina’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers and will continue to represent the national team.

In a statement reported by media in Argentina, Messi said: “A lot of things went through my mind on the night of the final and I gave serious thought to quitting, but my love for my country and this shirt is too great.”

“We need to fix many things in Argentinian football, but I prefer to do this from inside and not criticise from outside.”

“I send my thanks to all of those who want me to continue playing for Argentina. I hope that we’ll be able to give them something to cheer about soon.”

 Edgardo Bauza, who took over the position of Argentina’s head coach after Gerardo Martino stepped down following the defeat in the final of Copa America in June, met with Messi in Barcelona this week hoping to convince him to return to international stage.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s only major international honour is the Olympic gold at the 2008 Games in Beijing.
While, President of Argentina revealed last week that the country’s leading goalscorer will return to play on international stage to lead Argentina in the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.
Argentina play qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezeula at the beginning of September.
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