After a complicated world cup in Russia, Lionel Messi temporarily retired from the national team giving a shocker to the fans who believed that the Barcelona star may not feature in the blue and white stripes again. However, former Argentina forward Javier Saviola said Lionel Messi should not be heaved for Argentina’s world cup exit and should be given ample time to decide on his international career.
Hopefully Messi will return- Saviolo
“We all know Argentina didn’t perform as expected in the last World Cup. But I think we should just let Messi be. Just let him relax. He will need time to decide whether he wants to play with Argentina,” said Saviola who won Olympic gold with Argentina in 2004.
“Hopefully, he will come back but if it is otherwise, it will be his personal choice,” he added.
Messi, who retired from International football following Argentina’s loss to Chile in 2016 Copa America final decided to return back and helped his side qualify for the World Cup this year. Argentina had an ordinary outing in Russia and they lost to eventual winners France 4-3 in pre-quarter finals.
Saviola is in Kolkata to play an exhibition match against Mohun Bagan featuring in Barcelona Legends team. He will team up with Brazil’s 2002 world cup winning members Edmilson and Juliano Belletti, Portuguese star Simao Sabrosa and Finland’s Jari Littmanen in the clash at the Saltlake Stadium on Friday.
Hope Argentina plays like a real team- Saviola
“Argentina have a lot of talented players who play for the best clubs in the world but to do well at a major competition you need to be a real team,” Saviola said.
“I hope the next time we play a tournament we will be a team and not a collection of individuals. Only then, will we be in a position we deserve.”
