Will Messi rethink his return to international Football

Lionel Messi could change his mind about retiring from playing for Argentina, reports suggest.

According to a former team-mate of the star, Messi will be in action for the national team again as early as November, although he is planning to miss Argentina's scheduled fixtures in September and October, with four matches being skipped by the team's captain.

Messi revealed he is quitting international duty immediately after his side lost in the Copa America final to Chile for the second year in a row, which extended Argentina's wait for a major title to 23 years - they have lost a final three years in succession.

The 29-year-old missed a penalty in the shoot-out against Chile and was clearly distraught after once again failing to lead his side to glory.

"In the dressing room I thought that this is the end for me with the national team, it's not for me," Messi said when confirming his retirement. 

"I tried so hard to be a champion with Argentina. Now I am leaving without having managed it."

A U-turn?

It seems Messi already regrets his announcement and is planning to return to the team by the end of the year, although it is not clear whether or not he will retain the Argentina captaincy.

A former team-mate of Messi, speaking to La Nacion, said Messi could be back for either the November 10 game away to Brazil or the November 15 match at home against Colombia.

"He's going to return - and he has Russia 2018 as an obsession," said Messi's former colleague, who reportedly played with him at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

Messi's girlfriend, Antonella Roccuzzo, was also quoted as saying that the words of the critics weigh heavily on the Barcelona forward, so perhaps it is best he takes some time away.

Maradona impact?

Diego Maradona, who coached Messi previously, was among those who called on the star to continue playing in international football.

Maradona picked out the World Cup as one of the top reasons to continue, so perhaps his words have convinced Messi to have one more crack at international glory with Argentina.

"Messi must carry on in the national team... because he still has a lot to give, because he'll get to Russia with a chance of being world champion," Maradona was quoted as saying by La Nacion. 

"He has to lean more on the lads who can help him take the team forward and less on those who say he should leave. Messi was abandoned and I don't want to abandon him. That's why I want to talk to him, to fight against all those who abandoned him."

Messi has yet to comment on reports of his international retirement U-turn, but the striker will surely have to confirm his plans sooner rather than later. 

His Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez believes Messi will return to the international fold, but only time will tell.

Buenos Aires mayor Horacio Rodriguez has even unveiled a statue of Messi in a bid to persuade the star striker to reconsider his decision, with the figure located at the city's Rio de la Plata.