Lionel Messi Will Decline Argentina National Team Return, Says Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona does not believe that Lionel Messi will come out of international retirement and make himself available again for the Argentina national team.

The Barcelona superstar announced his retirement from the international game after Argentina's loss in the Copa America Centenario final to Chile in June—the Albiceleste's third major final defeat in as many years.

New Argentina manager Edgardo Bauza has travelled to Catalonia to hold talks with Messi and attempt to reverse his decision, per the Associated Press (h/t NBC Sports' Kyle Bonn).

However, 1986 FIFA World Cup winner and former Argentina manager Maradona does not believe Bauza will succeed in his mission, per Radio La Red (via Football Espana): 

"

I think Messi will say "no" to Bauza. That’s what I think, although I may be wrong. 

What’s happened with Messi exposes [what’s been going on behind the scenes for] a lifetime. 

How is it that the families of the [Argentine Football Association] leaders are more comfortable than those of the players?

"

Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Per ESPN Deportes (via ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan), concerns about the AFA also led to reports that Barca's Javier Mascherano and Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero are considering their international futures.

For such a talented generation of players—also including the likes of Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain—Argentina have endured huge disappointments.

They also lost to Chile in the 2015 Copa final and to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, with Gerardo Martino the latest manager to step down after their penalty-shootout defeat in June.

Messi explained his reasons for retiring after missing his spot-kick against Chile, per BBC Sport: "For me, the national team is over. I've done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion."

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has collected every trophy on offer with Barcelona, including eight La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues.

A 2008 Olympic gold medal is all he has to show for his Argentina career, and Bauza will likely try to persuade Messi that he can lead the national team to 2018 World Cup glory in Russia.

For Maradona, though, Messi's Argentina days are over, and the 29-year-old did seem to have reached the end of his tether after the defeat to Chile.