Messi Returns to Argentina’s National Team 2 Months After Retirement

Messi Returns to Argentina’s National Team 2 Months After Retirement

Lionel Messi has announced his return to the Argentina national team, two months after he announced his retirement from international football.

The Barcelona talisman called it quits with Albiceleste after missing a penalty in another heartbreaking defeat to Chile in the Copa America final – the third consecutive loss for Argentina in a major final.

However, after a conversation with new coach Edgardo Bauza, Messi has now decided to don the Argentina shirt again, ESPN writes.

“I see that there are a lot of problems in Argentina football and I don’t want to create more,” Messi, 29, said in a statement on Friday.

“I don’t want to cause harm, on the contrary, my goal was to help in any way I could.

“There are many things that need to be fixed in Argentine football. But I prefer to help from inside rather than stand on the outside and criticise,” the statement continued.

BREAKING: Argentina Football Association announces Lionel Messi will continue to play for the national team pic.twitter.com/C3ySzlMHXp

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 12, 2016

Messi, who is Argentina’s all-time top scorer with 55 goals in 113 appearances, said his love for his country has persuaded him to come out of his abrupt retirement.

“A lot of things ran through my head on the day of the [Copa America] final. And I seriously considered leaving the team. But I love my shirt and my country too much.

“I want to thank all the fans who wanted me to keep playing for Argentina. I hope we can give them joy very soon.”

Meanwhile, Twitter has provided some of the best reactions to this latest twist in the Messi-Argentina saga…

@bayerncentral @dw_sports Higuiain celebrating his offside goal in WC final lasted longer than Messi’s retirement

— Anup (@irondevil666) August 12, 2016

Messi does a Shahid Afridi.
Who would have thought

— Dr.Buttercup (@Stuprous_doctor) August 12, 2016

@BBCWorld @BBCSport finally #Messi breaks his hunger strike

— ॐ Dibakar Ghosh 卐 (@DibakarGhosh111) August 12, 2016

@BBCWorld @BBCSport Wish Messi could teach someone in Zimbabwe about quitting for a while when you fail. #36years of Destruction.

— Ncee (@L_e_n_on) August 12, 2016

@BBCWorld @BBCSport Gd to see Messi is back Great player no doubt

— Saidul Islam (@Saidul26) August 12, 2016

@BBCWorld Ridiculous. Characterless. But what else can we expect from Blatter’s good boy.

— Andrea V (@AndreaOnTw) August 12, 2016

@BBCWorld @BBCSport brave decision

— Muhammad Rashid (@samart_pk) August 12, 2016