The Argentina and Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi yesterday came back in field from his ‘short-lived’ retirement and gave Argentina the winning goal during the ongoing international break.
The 29 year-old who had also been charged and given 18 months jail term following tax evasion claims, and whom the Barcelona president wants to tie at Catalans for the rest of his career found the net 42nd minute into the game , with his low shot taking a wicked deflection to deceive Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera at the near post.
“I am grateful to the people for the treatment, for the love,” Messi said, insisting his retirement announcement in June was genuine as he digested a third defeat in a final with Argentina in as many years.
“I wasn’t trying to cheat anyone, I said what I felt. (Now) I feel happy,” Messi said.
When the team bus arrived from the city airport on Wednesday night, fans blocked Avenida Belgrano in the city centre to welcome the players to their hotel.
On Thursday, a sizeable group of fans continued to stand outside the hotel throughout the day hoping for a glimpse of their idols, and no name was chanted more frequently or loudly than the Barcelona and Albiceleste’s No.10’s.
When the lineups were announced before the match, he inevitably received the loudest applause and cheers from the fans.
With the win, Argentina jumps to the top of qualifying in CONMEBOL with 14 points. Uruguay is second with 13.