BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza has traveled to Spain in an effort to convince Lionel Messi to stay on the national team.
Messi, a record five-time world player of the year, said in June that “the national team is over for me” following Argentina’s loss in the Copa America final. That was Argentina’s third straight loss in a final, including the 2014 World Cup.
Bauza says on his arrival to Barcelona “I have come to talk about football, so [Messi] can tell me his frustrations that made him say those words.”
Bauza says “our talk will then lead to a decision.”
Bauza took over as Argentina coach after Gerardo Martino stepped down following the Copa America.
Messi will start the season Sunday, when Barcelona plays the Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla.
