Lionel Messi set for sensational Argentina retirement U-turn and is ‘obsessed’ with winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia
Strike superstar has a change of heart after fan protests and will return to international duty before the end of the year
LIONEL MESSI is ready to make a dramatic U-turn and come out of international retirement.
And the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is “obsessed” with winning the 2018 World Cup for Argentina.
Messi, 29, The Barcelona ace left his home nation in a state of shock when he sensationally quit international duty last month.
He made the decision in the aftermath of his superstar side’s shock penalty loss to Chile in the Copa America final – Messi’s FOURTH showpiece defeat with Argentina.
Devastated fans took to the streets in Buenos Aires in their thousands on Saturday to plead with their record goalscorer to change his mind.
Diego Maradona, the rest of Argentina’s 1986 World Cup-winning side, Messi mega-fan Miss BumBum and even the nation’s president begged the little magician to stay.
Some supporters even posted snaps of ‘#notevayaslio’ [don’t go Lio] tattoos on social media.
And the 55-goal star seems to have paid attention as reports in Argentina suggest he will pull on the Albiceleste shirt again this year.
Argentinian film director and pal Marcelo D’Andrea added: “I have no doubts that he will play at the World Cup.
“I have faith in him. We need to leave him alone and trust in his silence.
“He loves the national team. He gives everything for his country.”
Argentina currently sit third in South America’s World Cup qualifying group – two points behind leaders Uruguay and Ecuador.
Gerardo Martino’s side must finish in the top four of the ten-team table to be guaranteed a place in Russia, with the fifth-place side facing a play-off.
La Nacion claims Messi will not be present for September’s clashes with Uruguay and Venezuela.
But the attacker will return for ties with Peru, Paraguay and Brazil in November.