Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza 'optimistic' ahead of Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano talks

ByFootballEspana

Published 10/08/2016 at 10:32 GMT

New Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza has travelled to Spain with the intention of having an informal chat with Lionel Messi.

Argentina Lionel Messi stands for the national anthem before the match against the United States in the semi-finals of the 2016 Copa America

Image credit: Reuters

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.

Argentina's Lionel Messi waits to receive the second place medal

Image credit: AFP

However, the recently-appointed Bauza was at pains to point out that he has not come to “convince” Messi to return to international football.

Transfers

Zidane on verge of becoming new Bayern boss - Paper Round

4 hours ago

“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.

Argentina's Javier Mascherano (L) vies for the ball with Chile's Edson Puch

Image credit: AFP

Mascherano is reportedly undecided on whether he will continue playing for Argentina following their final loss.

Rumours circulated that Manchester City's Sergio Aguero could also follow Messi's lead and announce his retirement, meaning Bauza's suggestion of "another destination" could in fact be to the north west of England.

The 58-year-old would likely count it as his first success if he can convince Mascherano and Aguero to stay on, while getting Messi to reverse his decision would have an even greater impact.