Lionel Messi reverses decision to retire from International football

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has reversed his decision to retire from international football, saying he loves Argentina "too much". 

Lionel Messi announced immediately after Argentina's penalty shoot-out loss to Chile in the Copa America final in June that he was calling time on his Albiceleste career. 

However, having this week met with new Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza, the 29-year-old has now confirmed he will be available for selection again. 

Messi said in a statement reproduced by Argentinian newspaper La Nacion: 

"I see there are many problems in Argentinian football and I don't intend to create another one. 

"I don't want to cause any damage, I've always tried to do just the opposite, to help all that I can. 

"We need to fix many things in Argentinian football, but I prefer to do this from inside and not criticise from outside."