New Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza has travelled to Spain with the intention of having an informal chat with Lionel Messi.
Messi quit the national team after Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America Final this summer, where he also missed a penalty in the shoot-out, and Bauza touched down in Barcelona to find out if the 29-year-old will reverse his decision and rejoin the set-up.
However, Bauza was at pains to point out that he has not come to “convince” Messi to return to international football.
“The sensations are good because I will talk about football, a language we both know,” he told gathered media on arrival at El Prat airport.
“That talk will lead to a decision but I’ve not come to convince Messi, I’ve come to talk about football. He can tell me his frustration and I can express to him the idea that I have of the national team, so he feels comfortable.
“I’m here to talk to both Messi and Javier Mascherano and if I have time I’ll be travelling to another destination. I’m optimistic by nature,” added Bauza.
