Messi returns to Argentina squad

Manager Lionel Scaloni has recalled Lionel Messi to the Argentina fold, naming the Barcelona star as part of a 31-man squad for a pair of upcoming international friendlies.

Following his participation at the 2018 World Cup, the 31-year-old opted out of Scaloni's maiden squad for two September friendlies and a quartet of non-competitive matches in October and November.

That decision prompted fears of a potential second international retirement for Messi after he quit following the 2016 Copa America. "Honestly, we have not spoken about what will happen in the future," Scaloni said in August 2018.

Argentina's all-time leading scorer on 65 goals, Messi has also registered the third-most caps (128) for his country behind Javier Mascherano (147) and Javier Zanetti (143).

Messi and Co. face Venezuela in Madrid on March 22 before a trip to Tangier to play Morocco four days later.