London: Newly-appointed Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza has revealed that he is planning to convince recently retired captain Lionel Messi to make a comeback to the national team. The star talisman bid adieu to international football following Argentina’s defeat against Chile in the Copa America Centenario final in New Jersey, saying he did not want to continue after his side’s fourth defeat in major finals in nine years.
Although the Albiceleste boss expressed his intention to chat with Messi about football, he denied making any concerted effort to convince him to return to international football. “He has a game on Wednesday [for Barcelona against Sampdoria]. If he has a day to chat about football, that will then suggest if there is the possibility that he can be called to play the first two games [in September] for the national team,” Bauza was quoted as saying by goal.com.
There have been persistent speculations that the Barcelona star will renounce his decision, with Argentina president Mauricio Macri being the latest one to claim that Messi would return for the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Reflecting on the same, Bauza said he would put forth his idea before Messi and see what would be the outcome. “It’s easy to talk football with a player.
If there’s a decision to take after that, then I’ll take it. I understand the phrases you can say when frustration hits you, but I also know they can be reversed,” insisted Bauza. Admitting that he has plenty of worries to address before Argentina face Uruguay in World Cup qualifying round, Bauza, however, called on his players to embrace their opportunity in order to create history. “I’m one of those who think about attacking and defending. We’ll attack with everything and defend with everything.
You have to respect the history of the shirt and the team. We must seize the moment the players have to be protagonists for the national team,” he added. Argentina will lock horns with Uruguay in World Cup qualifying on September 2.
ANI