The Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza has travelled to Spain in an effort to persuade Lionel Messi to stay on the national team.
Messi, a record five-times world player of the year, said in June that “the national team is over for me” following Argentina’s loss in the Copa América final. That was Argentina’s third straight loss in a final, including the 2014 World Cup.
Bauza said on his arrival in Barcelona: “The sensations are good because I will talk about football, a language we both know.
“That talk will lead to a decision but I’ve not come to convince Messi, I’ve come to talk about football. He can tell me his frustration and I can express to him the idea that I have of the national team, so he feels comfortable.
“I’m here to talk to both Messi and Javier Mascherano and if I have time I’ll be travelling to another destination. I’m optimistic by nature,” added Bauza.
Bauza took over as Argentina coach after Gerardo Martino stepped down following the Copa América.
Messi will kick off his season on Sunday, when Barcelona play in the Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla.