Messi not ruled out of Mexico friendly – Martino

Lionel Messi with Barcelona is arguably the best footballer in the world, running with credible pace; dribbling, creating and scoring goals.

Martino also said he would be naming Messi in his squad to face Mexico in September amid talk that the 28-year-old would retire from global football.

Argentina’s are though proud of his European exploits but are kept wondering why he constantly fails to replicate his European brilliance once he wears his countries jersey.

The 2014 Copa America champions game plan was to trample and harrying him into submission which he succumbed; for the first time in a long time, Lionel Messi was lost in a big game.

“I should not discuss about Messi, but I think his participation in the national team was, by far, the best thing of Copa America“.

The fans’ hatred towards Messi’s efforts escalated this summer after Argentina bowed down to Chile during the Copa America final.

Argentina have not won a major trophy since 1993 and Martino is now looking to pick the strongest possible side to take on Mexico on September 8.

Argentina boss Tata Martino has stepped forward to back Lionel Messi after the Barca star was heavily criticised by Argentinian fans for his world competition performances.

“The criticism of Messi is an analysis that he doesn’t deserve. I would be very disappointed if Messi does not play more in the national team”, he said. Messi, on the other hand, has scored 46 goals in his 103 appearances for Albiceleste.