Edgardo Bauza became Argentina manager in August 2016, replacing Gerardo Martino after the country’s Copa America disappointment. He remained in charge for only eight months, but his earliest days may have had the greatest impact.
Bauza’s first major decision was to travel to Barcelona and convince Lionel Messi to reverse his decision to retire from international football. The widespread demand for Messi’s return ultimately proved impossible to ignore.
“I love this country and this shirt too much,” Messi said as he returned to the international fold.
“I’m grateful to all the people who wanted me to continue playing with Argentina. Hopefully we can give them something to cheer about soon.”
Messi’s long wait for international glory
Success did not arrive immediately. Argentina lost to France in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup, prompting many observers to dismiss Messi’s chances of ever lifting the trophy.
Remarkably, Messi did not win a senior international tournament until he was 34. He then won four major honours in barely three years, including the 2022 Finalissima.
Questions about his international future followed each of those victories, but Messi continued through to his sixth World Cup in 2026. He scored eight goals and provided four assists as Argentina reached the final, where they were defeated by Spain.
Although he appeared to lack the pace of his earlier years, Messi moved through matches with ease and remained every bit as effective.
Messi’s possible Argentina farewell
The final was played at the same stadium where Messi had “retired” a decade earlier.
“When Messi retired [10 years ago] it reminded us all how much we loved him,” said Argentina fan Benjamin who was in the Metlife for the 2016 showpiece final.
“When I heard him retire, I cried, the country cried. He did get criticism but only because everyone cared so much. Without Lionel Messi, Argentina would still be waiting for their next World Cup since 1986.”
Messi’s future in international football became uncertain again after the death of his father, Jorge, just three weeks after this year’s World Cup final.
The decision now appears final and, at 39, another return to international football seems unlikely. However, South American football writer Tim Vickery believes Argentina could still arrange an official farewell for the legendary forward.
“Remember that, as a result of their behaviour at the World Cup, the next game Argentina play on home soil will only be in front of a crowd at 50% capacity,” Vickery told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“But once those punishments are out of the way, I’m sure it will be in the mind of the Argentina FA: ‘Why don’t we hold a game back in Buenos Aires? River Plate, they have the biggest capacity in South America. Why don’t we do an official farewell there? What do you think about it, Lionel? One last time?’.”
