BUENOS AIRES: Star striker Lionel Messi will return to play for the Argentine national football team for "love" of his country, despite earlier vowing to retire in frustration, he said on Friday.
<img title="Lionel Messi" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2016/aug/14Lionel-Messi.jpg" alt="Lionel Messi" /> Lionel Messi&nbsp;
Argentina&rsquo;s new coach Edgardo Bauza promptly named him to the squad for two looming qualifying games for the 2018 World Cup. It was heartening news for the country&rsquo;s demanding soccer fans after Argentina were knocked out of the Olympic Games this week in the group stage, their latest in a string of humiliations.
The 29-year-old Barcelona superstar had abruptly announced his international retirement in tears after Argentina lost the Copa America final to Chile on June 26.
Back for the jersey "A lot of things went through my mind on the night of the final and I gave serious thought to quitting, but my love for my country and this shirt is too great," he said in a statement. "There are a lot of issues that need to be resolved in Argentine football, but I prefer to help from within and not to criticise from the outside," Messi&rsquo;s statement said.
"I thank all of those who want me to continue playing for Argentina. I hope that we&rsquo;ll be able to give them something to cheer about."
Argentina have suffered a string of disappointing losses in big tournaments with Messi, including the World Cup final in 2014. Manager Gerrado Martino&rsquo;s resignation deepened the chaos ahead of the Rio Olympics. Argentina exited the Games in Brazil after a 1-1 draw with Honduras.

Star striker Lionel Messi will return to play for the Argentine national football team for &ldquo;love&rdquo; of his country, despite earlier vowing to retire in frustration, he said on Friday

Love for country brings Lionel Messi out of retirement 

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Star striker Lionel Messi will return to play for the Argentine national football team for &ldquo;love&rdquo; of his country, despite earlier vowing to retire in frustration, he said on Friday

Love for country brings Lionel Messi out of retirement

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Love for country brings Lionel Messi out of retirement

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