Lionel Messi to reportedly return to Argentina national team in March

What's the story?

Following a months-long hiatus, Barcelona and Argentina ace Lionel Messi is reportedly set to make his return to the national team next year.

In case you didn't know...

In recent years, Messi has been under immense pressure to replicate his success at Barcelona with his national team. However, the talisman has been unable to inspire La Albiceleste to a trophy so far.

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Argentina was far from being the team it was meant to be with players like Paulo Dybala, Mauro Icardi and Messi himself. The team's poor performances led them to an early exit from the competition, ruining yet another chance to win an international trophy.

After his side's exit in the round of 16, Messi proceeded to request the Argentine FA to exempt him from playing for the national team for the rest of this year.

Despite the break, however, the Argentine FA maintains hope of their star's return, even disallowing any other player to take the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's number 10 shirt.

The heart of the matter

It looks like Messi is set for homecoming as reports claim the Barcelona star will return to international duty next year, in time for the Copa America.

According to journalist Hernán Castillo of the Argentine news channel, TNT Sports, Messi will be back in the blue and white shirt in March 2019.

#TNTSports | @HernanSCastillo: "En marzo, Messi va a ser convocado y vuelve a la Selección" 💣 pic.twitter.com/lLrC6Ewwkn

— TNT Sports LA (@TNTSportsLA) November 20, 2018

While Argentina has won three of their last four games without Messi so far, the Barcelona star is undoubtedly a great addition to the current team of match-winners. His presence in the team will only boost Argentina's chances of winning next year's Copa America.

What's next?

Messi is currently captaining Barcelona who will return to action when they face third-placed Atletico Madrid on Saturday.