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Messi firm on Argentina retirement

By Daily Sports on July 30, 2016

Lionel Messi has no intention of reconsidering his retirement from the Argentina national team in time for the next World Cup qualifiers in September.

The 29-year-old Barcelona star affirmed he would no longer represent the Albiceleste after the pain of missing out on the Copa America against Chile.

And sources from the star's family told Goal that, despite strong efforts from both the Argentine FA and even the government to make him change his mind, he will not come back for the time being.

"Right now he is not part of the national team," the family explained.

The governing body had planned to give Messi a say in the identity of the next Argentina coach, with Jorge Sampaoli and Marcelo Bielsa his favoured candidates.

But his family ended speculation over his influence by stating bluntly: "He does not impose trainers nor does he get them sacked."

Argentina's next competitive matches are against Uruguay, on September 1 in Mendoza, and an away trip to Venezuela five days later.

And while nobody can confirm Messi will never again pull on the international shirt, the team will at least have to plan for that double-header without their former captain.

The news is another blow for the Argentine FA, currently administrated by Armando Perez as head of the Normalisation Committee running affairs.

As well as seeing their overtures to the Barca idol fail, the AFA was also forced to scratch Jorge Sampaoli off the list of potential coaches after he insisted he would remain loyal to Sevilla.

A potential meeting with kit sponsors Adidas may also fall through, as the ramifications of losing the star that brings in 50 per cent of the nation's commercial incomes hit home.

•Text from goal.com. Photo shows Lionel Messi

Source Daily Sports

Posted July 30, 2016