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Messi-led Argentina face Uruguay in World Cup qualifiers

By Ians English

Buenos Aires, Sep 1: Argentina's national football team, with the return of Lionel Messi as skipper in the starting line-up and Edgardo Bauza's debut as coach, will welcome Uruguay on Thursday (Sept 1) in the seventh match of the World Cup 2018 Russia qualifiers.

Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero out of action for ArgentinaLionel Messi, Sergio Aguero out of action for Argentina

Messi-led Argentina face Uruguay in World Cup qualifiers

Messi, who had previously announced his retirement from international arena after Argentina lost to Chile on penalties during the final of the 2016 Centennial Copa America tournament, finally went back on his decision and will captain Thursday's team.

Messi's chat with Bauza was the determining factor in the star going back on his retirement decision. Bauza travelled to Europe as soon as he was announced as Gerardo Martino's successor in order to try to persuade Messi to change his mind.

The appearance of forward Lucas Pratto (Atletico Mineiro, Brazil) in the starting line-up instead of Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus, Italy), who was not even called upon as a substitute, is among the latest news surrounding the teamsheet.

FC Barcelona's Gerard Pique, left, Luis Suarez, center, and Lionel Messi attend a training session at the Sports Center FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despi, Spain, on Aug. 1, 2016.


Juventus forward Paulo Dybala, is also included in the starting line-up for the first time. He is one of the most promising players of the moment who up until now has not had enough time to prove his worth in the national team.

(Messi staying in retirement would be a sin: Javier Mascherano)

Story first published: Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 11:48 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 8, 2017