Messi: Argentina, Masche, the bench…

Lionel Messi confirms he could quit Argentina again, ‘understands’ if Javier Mascherano leaves Barcelona and admits the bench is ‘horrible’.

Messi retired from international football after Argentina’s penalties defeat to Chile in the Copa America Centenario Final last year, before going back on his word.

Mascherano has also reportedly asked to leave Barca, while the No 10 started as a substitute in the Blaugrana’s previous two Champions League games.

“If we do badly at the World Cup, we all have to disappear from the national team. It’ll be difficult for some to stay on,” he told TyC Sports.

“Mascherano? I’m not going to tell you what he told me, but I’ll understand if he leaves, he wants to play more.

“I understand Masche. The best thing is to play and enjoy yourself, and he doesn’t think he’ll get minutes here.

“Bench role? It’s hard for me not to play or to be subbed off, but I realised and understood that it was for the best. Being on the bench is horrible. It looks easier from the outside.”

Messi concluded the interview by giving an insight into his two sons, Thiago and Mateo.

“Mateo is terrible, a real character. They’re very different,” revealed the 30-year-old.

“Thiago’s a phenomenon and better behaved, while the other is the opposite, a right little rascal!

“It’s nice to see how different they are from each other. Thiago likes cars, motorcycles and football, but he’ll play for a little while and get tired.”

Tags Argentina Javier Mascherano Lionel Messi
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