Enrique: Barca return will reinvigorate Messi after crushing Copa

Lionel Messi will shake off Argentina's disastrous third straight final defeat at the Copa America Centenario this summer and show his characteristic "enthusiasm" for Barcelona, says club manager Luis Enrique.

The 29-year-old suggested he could retire from international football after skying a penalty in the shootout final defeat to Chile on June 26, another showpiece loss in the wake of the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Copa America disappointments.

Enrique is confident, however, that his Albiceleste woes won't affect his club commitments.

"Messi will return as he always does, with great enthusiasm to play football," Luis Enrique told reporters Thursday. "He has had a longer holiday this summer because of the (Copa America). I have no doubt that he will return as he always does because what he likes most is football and his environment is on the field with his teammates.

"Wearing the Barcelona shirt again will refresh his desire to play. I have zero worries that it will be any other way. This summer he could have won the Copa America as he deserved, but in football, anything can happen."

Some stories took Messi's emotional post-match comments at face value, stating the Argentina captain had abruptly called an end to his international days, but Enrique suggests that might not be the case.

"As coach of Barca, it doesn't affect us. It is not a great situation, but it means he won't be overtaxed," he continued - an ironic word choice given the star's recent tax fraud conviction.

"He made his comment at a difficult moment, only time will tell. It will be up to him to decide. I would like to continue to watch him (play for Argentina) from my perspective as a fan, but if I put my ego in it, I am open to any decision."

Messi's reluctance to represent his homeland may also be linked to the financial irregularities which currently shadow the Argentine Football Association, and his personal criticism of the body's poor organisation.

Related: Messi brands Argentine Football Association a 'disaster'

Barcelona begins its La Liga title defence against Real Betis on Aug. 20.