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.

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.

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.