Internet Desk: Argentina manager Edgardo Bauza has said he is confident Lionel Messi will change his mind and opt to return to the Albiceleste team, and could do so in time to be named on the list of players for September World Cup qualifying matches.
Bauza flew to Spain to meet Argentina players in Barcelona on Thursday and reassure them there would be order in the national team despite ongoing chaos in the football federation.
He said he did not pressure Messi to reconsider his decision to retire from international duty and had “only talked football” with the striker, but claimed he wanted to return. AFA said they will reveal the 18-man squad on Friday afternoon.
Bauza, who took over as national team coach after the resignation of Gerardo Martino last month, said he would contact Messi on Friday.
Messi, 29, announced his retirement from international football after missing a penalty in the shootout defeat to Chile in this summer’s Copa America Centenario final — the third consecutive loss for Argentina in a major final.
Argentina are preparing for September qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela, and Friday is the CONMEBOL deadline to name the 18-man squad for the matches.