Javier Mascherano has praised international and club teammate Lionel Messi upon his return to Argentina national training.
The five time Ballon D’or recipient had sensationally announced his international retirement following Argentina’s heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat in the final of the Copa America in June. The Barcelona star missed his decisive spot-kick, bringing a sour end to what had been an exceptional tournament performance.
However, a chat with new coach Edgardo Bauza swayed Messi to return and resume his push for that elusive piece of major international silverware.
Barcelona teammate Mascherano has too has re-pledged his loyalty to the AFA and is keen for normality to resume.
“Leo made a good decision,” said Mascherano.
“It would have been a sin, something very sad, to not see him playing in the Argentina shirt.
“It would have had consequences for the team and impact at the global level.”
The 29-year old attacker may return to national team action as soon as this week’s World Cup Qualifier against Uruguay, yet is under an injury cloud due to a hamstring complaint. If ruled out, he would join Sergio Aguero and Javier Pastore as notable absences.
Argentina are currently third in their group, trailing Uruguay and Ecuador in the race for a spot at Russia 2018.
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