Leo Messi has not played for Argentine after suffering a 4-3 defeat at the hands of eventual World Champions, France in R16 of the World Cup. Will we ever see him back in international football?
Messi’s teammate, Paulo Dybala has taken up a more responsible role in Argentina’s attacking unit after their captain went on a sabbatical. Dybala has impressed everyone with his recent performances for Albiceleste in Messi’s absence, but Juve star wants his captain to return soon.
Come back, Leo:
Dybala played a crucial role Argentina’s 2-0 win against Mexico. The youngster is considered as the leader of a new Argentine generation with talented players like Lautaro Martinez, Mauro Icardi, Leandro Paredes and Gio Lo Celso now getting more game-time to prove their worth.
Messi himself had made himself unavailable for all three international breaks after the World Cup as he continued to focus on Barcelona. But Paulo Dybala recently expressed his feelings about Messi’s return.
“We want him to come back,” said Dybala before Argentina’s second game against Mexico. “We know what he means to us, but [the decision] is not up to any of the players.”
There has also been a managerial change in the team as Lionel Scaloni is currently serving as the interim manager after Jorge Sampaoli was sacked post World Cup. With huge expectations from the young players of Argentina, Dybala has asked his nation to be patient with the current squad.
“We are young kids, we have only just started and we need the people’s support. We do not know what is going to happen further ahead,” he said.
With Copa America competition in 2019, Lionel Messi will have to take a final decision about his international career in the next few months.
Author’s Take:
Although it is difficult to imagine the Argentine team without Leo Messi, it is easy to understand why he has chosen to stay away from the team for now. Despite single-handedly dragging Argentina to the World Cup last year, Messi was blamed for his nation’s early exit. While he can still play a crucial role for his nation, we will have to wait for the final decision.
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