Lionel Messi was named in the Argentina squad Thursday for the first time since the World Cup, ending a self-imposed eight month absence.
Interim coach Lionel Scaloni named the five-time World Player of the Year in his squad for the friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco.
The Barcelona star hasn’t pulled on the light blue and white national team jersey since Argentina were dumped out of the World Cup last June by eventual winners France.
Messi led the team into the knockouts with a virtuoso performance against Nigeria in the group stages but that was preceded by a chaotic couple of games against Iceland and Croatia. The South American side were eventually eliminated by Kylian Mbappe and Co in a high-scoring thriller.
Since then, rumour has been rife that Messi has played his last in Argentina colours, but he has now made a return to La Albiceleste.
In all, Messi has missed six friendlies since the World Cup in Russia but many believe he will be an essential part of the team that travels to Brazil for the Copa America, which kicks off June 14.
Whilst he’s built up an almost unprecedented collection of trophies with his club, Messi is running out of time to taste major international success with Argentina.
He was on the losing side in major finals three years running from 2014-16, first to Germany in the World Cup in Brazil, then twice to Chile on penalties in the Copa America, including the one-off Centenary edition of the competition.
With 65 goals in 128 appearances, Messi is Argentina’s all-time top goalscorer. He’s also Barca’s top marksman ever with more than twice the number of goals as the next best.
But he’s never managed to match his club form when operating on the international stage.
Another long-term absentee, PSG’s Angel Di Maria, also makes the squad.
Argentina play Venezuela in Madrid on March 22 and then travel to Tangier four days later to tackle hosts Morocco.
(With AFP inputs)
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!