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Argentina head coach Edgardo Bauza insists Lionel Messi is champing at the bit to return to international football.
Messi is currently sidelined after suffering a groin injury during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with title rivals Atletico Madrid on September 21.
As a result, the 29-year-old has been left out of Argentina’s squad for the upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Paraguay. Argentina head coach Edgardo Bauza insists Lionel Messi is eager to play international football. Bauza has left Messi out of his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Paraguay.
Bauza admits the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is frustrated at having to miss out on international duty but insists it is the best thing for the player in the long-term.
‘Messi is worried about his injury. He wants to play the games and it’s difficult to have him ‘sidelined,’ Bauza told TyC Sports.
‘We never toyed with the option of having him in this squad. We have to be careful together. Messi sustained a groin injury during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in September.
‘Barcelona’s medical staff know perfectly what he has to do, I simply say that he has to look after himself.
‘He’s now in the recovery process, which is good news. I think he’ll be at a good level when he returns.’
Messi’s eagerness to return for Argentina is in stark contrast to earlier this summer, when he announced his retirement from international football following the Copa America Centenario final defeat to Chile. Argentina trained together on Monday ahead of their match against Peru on October 7.
The Barcelona star quit his national side after facing criticism before sensationally reversing his decision in August.
The diminutive forward marked his return to international duty with a match-winning goal against Uruguay last month to send Bauza’s side temporarily top of South American qualifying.
Argentina are now third in the table, level on points with arch-rivals Brazil, who are one point behind leaders Uruguay.
