New Coach to talk with Messi about retirement

New Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza says he wants to ‘have a chat’ with Lionel Messi about his future in international football.

Messi quit the national team after they lost in the final of the Copa America against Chile for the second time in a row.

It was Messi’s fourth defeat in a final with his country, which includes a 1-0 reverse against Germany in the 2014 World Cup decider in Brazil.

Bauza takes over the reins from Gerard Martino, who also resigned after the defeat against Chile, and plans to fly to Barcelona to speak to the five-time World Player of the year.

Speaking to Fox Sports, Bauza said: The idea is that once I have met with the [interim Argentine Football Association president] Armando Perez, I will make a trip to have a chat [with Messi].

It is not about convincing him of anything, just to chat about football.

Those of us who were players know how frustrating it is to lose a final. I will let him know my way of working - not just him, but other senior players too.

There is not much time. If Messi knows anything clearly, it is what he must do on the pitch, and what decisions he should take.

Between the two of us we could see how he could help the national team, and if he can continue with all this commitment that I have seen from outside.

The 58-year-old Bauza, who was coaching Brazilian side Sao Paulo when he was appointed, will have to qualify the Albiceleste for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.