Source: Messi to discuss Argentina future

Posted Friday, August 05, 2016 by Goal.com

The new coach will travel to Barcelona next week to meet the 29-year-old, who is open to being persuaded to reverse his decision to end his international career.

Lionel Messi is keen to hold talks with new Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza over his future with the national team, Goal Argentina understands.

The Barcelona star announced his retirement from international football following his country's defeat in the Copa America final by Chile in June.

The replacement of former boss Gerardo Martino by Bauza, however, has sparked speculation he could be convinced to reverse his decision ahead of the World Cup in 2018.

Bauza will travel to Barcelona next week and Goal has learned that Messi's desire to meet him has played as much of a part in that arrangement as Bauza's own hope that he can be persuaded to return.

Sources close to Messi have told Goal that no decision has been taken on a comeback yet but that could change if his meeting with Bauza is positive.

"We have had no contact with Messi, or any of his family," Bauza told Fox Sports on Tuesday. "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."

Bauza says he understands Messi's frustration following the Copa loss and hopes to receive a decision from Messi soon.

"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," he said. "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 has earned 113 caps for Argentina and scored 55 goals. He won an Olympic gold medal in 2008 but has lost three Copa America finals and one World Cup final.