Diego Maradona is praying for Lionel Messi’s return to international football despite bizarre toilet rant

LIONEL MESSI will return to play for Argentina, insists Diego Maradona.

The Barcelona superstar, 31, last played for his country at the World Cup in Russia and will miss the upcoming friendlies against Mexico.

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Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia said Messi faced too much pressure for one person heading into the summer showpiece.

And it is unclear when - or if - the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will return to the international set-up after he chose to take an indefinite leave of absence.

For Maradona though - who has been involved in a war of words with Messi - it is crystal clear: he will.

Asked by Marca if Messi will play again for Argentina, he the 1986 World Cup winner said: "I think so.

"We will see, because if not then we are in trouble."

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Messi has 65 goals in 128 appearances since making his debut for the South American country in August 2005.

Maradona's latest comments are in stark contrast to what he has said in the past.

He previously said the forward should quit the team and send everyone "to hell".

He said: "If the Under-15s side lose, it's Messi's fault. He is always at fault.

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"I would tell him, 'don't come [to the national team] anymore.'"

The Hand of God superstar, 58, claimed last month that Messi cared more about his Barcelona side than the national team.

And he said he was not a leader because he "goes to the toilet 20 times before a match".

Messi’s cousin Maxi Biancucchi branded Maradona, who has battled weight problems as well as addictions to drugs and alcohol, "ignorant" over his comments.

But now Maradona insists the argument is "all lies" and that he wants to patch things up with Messi.

He said: "Leo is a friend of mine and I never talk badly about a friend in public. I would say it to the face, and not through an interview.

"About Leo all I would say is that he is a phenomenon and nothing more.

"There are players that go to the bathroom 20 times but I never referred to Messi.

"I want to say that what I have with Leo is unconditional love, peace and affection.

"I want to give him a big hug because it is a long time since I saw him."