Messi Holds Talks With new Argentina Coach Bauza Over Possible Return

Messi Holds Talks With new Argentina Coach Bauza Over Possible Return

Lionel Messi is scheduled to hold crunch talks with new Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza over a possible return to the national team.

The 29-year-old forward stunned the world with his retirement from international football following Argentina’s second consecutive shootout defeat to Chile in the Copa America final in June.

However, with former boss Gerardo Martino replaced by Bauza, there are renewed hopes the Barcelona talisman would be convinced to reverse his decision and help the team pick a ticket for the Russia 2018 World Cup.

Bauza travels to Barcelona next week and amid reports that Messi is just as eager for the meeting over his future, Goal writes.

“We have had no contact with Messi, or any of his family,” Bauza said recently.

“The idea is that once I have met with the [interim Argentine Football Association president] Armando Perez, I will make a trip to have a chat (with Messi).

“It is not about convincing him of anything, just to chat about football.

“Those of us who were players know how frustrating it is to lose a final. I will let him know my way of working – not just him, but other senior players too.

“There is not much time. If Messi knows anything clearly, it is what he must do on the pitch, and what decisions he should take.

“Between the two of us we could see how he could help the national team, and if he can continue with all this commitment that I have seen from outside.”

Messi is Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 55 goals from 113 caps.