Messi plans his Argentina return with the Copa America in sight

Posted Sunday, December 30, 2018 by Marca.com

On June 14, 2019, the next Copa America will get underway and Brazil will host a still unconfirmed opponent in Sao Paolo to kick off a tournament that will see Lionel Messi line up for Argentina.

The Barcelona star is already planning his return to action for his country and the competition is when he wants to pull on the blue and white shirt again.

Claudio Tapia has hinted at Messi's return, though the decision is ultimately the player's and the two met in Madrid at the time of the Copa Libertadores final between Boca Juniors and River Plate.

Their meeting, on that occasion, was brief and the matter wasn't discussed with any great depth.

"Leo never left the national team so I have no doubt that he will return when he is called up," said the AFA president.

After the World Cup, Messi decided to take a break from international duty but he is not the only elite player to do so, with Cristiano Ronaldo not featuring for Portugal since Russia.

Others, such as Gerard Pique, decided to bring an end to their international careers.

In Messi's case, he wanted a break and he knows that at 31 he has to start taking care of himself and choosing his games more selectively.

For what remained of the year, Argentina had only friendly matches arranged so stepping back was an easy decision to make.

The idea is to return for the tournament in June and though there are some games in March, Messi doesn't plan to take part.

Until the end of the club season, Messi's focus is the Champions League and then, after that, his attention will return to trying to guide Argentina to success.