Sports News: Messi returns to Argentina squad for first time since 2018 World Cup

The Barcelona superstar ruled himself out of contention on the back of a disappointing campaign in Russia, but is now back in the international fold.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has returned to the Argentina squad for the first time since the 2018 World Cup.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner ruled himself out of contention on the back of a disappointing campaign in Russia.

That decision has now been taken and he is available for selection in friendly dates with Venezuela and Morocco. 

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had said in December of a possible recall: "I do not talk very often with Messi, but we have a relationship.

"We are going to try for him to join us in 2019, we have pending talks and we are optimistic that it will be positive.

“For us it is something important. Any coach would like to coach him, myself more than any."

Those talks have delivered the result that everybody in Argentina was hoping for.