Published on 12:00 AM, March 21, 2019

Messi return 'an honour'

Lionel Messi was on enemy soil ahead of his return to the Argentina national team for the first time since the 2018 World Cup, training at Real Madrid's Valdebebas training centre in Madrid yesterday ahead of Friday night's friendly against Venezuela. PHOTO: AFP
Agencies, Madrid

Argentina goalkeeper Juan Musso said it is an "honour" to have Lionel Messi return to the international stage.

Messi has not played for Argentina since last year's World Cup but the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is back for friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco.

Fresh off his 33rd La Liga hattrick, Messi will feature in Friday's clash with Venezuela in Madrid before facing Morocco four days later, and Udinese keeper Musso is relishing his return.

"We're very happy," Musso told reporters. "He trains like the rest of us and for us it's an honour to have him back in the national team.

"I hope all of us can meet the expectations on us and get the results that we're looking for."

Messi -- Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 65 goals -- has scored a La Liga-high 29 goals this season and 39 in all competitions for Barcelona.

The 31-year-old last scored for Argentina in their dramatic late win over Nigeria to advance to the round of 16 at Russia 2018.

MESSI LOOKS EMOTIONALLY FATIGUED

However, not every Argentine is as excited by the prospect of Messi's return.

Former Argentina manager and national team director Cesar Luis Menotti has said he is worried over the talisman's condition.

"I'm afraid that Messi plays," said the 1978 World Cup-winning manager. "I see him with important emotional fatigue between the Champions League and the national team. I see him very tired. If he wants to play with Argentina, better."

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