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It would have been ´a sin´ if Messi did not reverse his retirement, says Mascherano

Javier Mascherano says it would have been a sin had Lionel Messi stayed in international retirement and not played for Argentina.

FBL-COPAM2016-ARG-CHI
Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts during the Copa America Centenario final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on June 26, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / ALFREDO ESTRELLA
Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts during the Copa America Centenario final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on June 26, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / ALFREDO ESTRELLA
Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts during the Copa America Centenario final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on June 26, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

Javier Mascherano says it would have been a sin had Lionel Messi stayed in international retirement and not played for Argentina.

Messi announced his decision to quit international football after Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America final on penalties for the second consecutive year back in June.

However, the Barcelona superstar reversed his retirement in August and could be involved in their World Cup qualifier with Uruguay today.
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The 29-year-old trained yesterday having been hampered by a hamstring injury.
Speaking at a media conference, his Barca team-mate Mascherano said: “Leo made a good decision.

“It would have been a sin, something very sad, to not see him playing in the Argentina shirt.

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“It would have had consequences for the team and impact at the global level.”

Argentina are third in the CONMEBOL qualifying group, two points behind leaders Uruguay and second-placed Ecuador.
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