After shock retirement, Lionel Messi says he will return to Argentina squad

New Delhi: In what can be termed as wonderful news for the world football fraternity, former Argentina skipper Lionel Messi on Friday confirmed that he would be returning to the national side.

The Barcelona star shocked the football world with his international retirement announcement following  a defeat in the Copa America.

"I gave serious thought to quitting, but my love for my country and this shirt is too great," the player was quoted as saying in a statement released by his management company.

A disappointed Messi had announced his international retirement after Chile defeated Argentina in the final of the Copa America Centenario in June.

It was the third consecutive loss for Argentina in the final of a major tournament following defeats at the 2015 Copa America and the 2014 World Cup.

The announcement led to an outcry in Argentina with fans from all over the world expressing their disappointment. Even the legendary Diego Maradona urged the Barcelona superstar to reconsider his decision.

(With Agency inputs)