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