Newly appointed Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza has arrived in Barcelona in an attempt to bring Lionel Messi back into the international fold. The most important task facing Bauza over the coming months is to entreat the former Argentine captain to reconsider his early retirement.
It’s almost a certainty that Messi will be unavailable for selection for Argentina’s upcoming September World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela on September 1st and 6th. While Argentina will sorely miss Messi for the match against Uruguay, the side that currently sits atop the CONMEBOL qualifying table, Bauza’s side are in a healthy position for reaching Russia.
If Bauza’s trip to Catalonia proves productive, Messi could return for the next round of fixtures for Argentina in early October.
Edgardo Bauza faces his most important task. Photo: @ARG_soccernews | Twitter
Speaking on his arrival in Barcelona, Bauza told the press, “the sensations are good because I will talk about football, a language we both know.
“That talk will lead to a decision but I’ve not come to convince Messi, I’ve come to talk about football. He can tell me his frustration and I can express to him the idea that I have of the national team, so he feels comfortable.
“I’m here to talk to both Messi and Javier Mascherano and if I have time I’ll be traveling to another destination. I’m optimistic by nature.”
The amount of stops Bauza would have to make would certainly be lessened by convincing Messi to return. Following Messi’s retirement at the end of June, Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Angel Di Maria, Ever Banega and Lucas Biglia were all reportedly threatening to quit the national team.
(H/T: The Guardian)
Follow me on Twitter: @ConmanFleming
