Icardi pleads with Messi to come back to the Argentine national team | OneFootball

Messi hasn’t featured for the Albiceleste since their World Cup round-of-16 to eventual winners France, and will likely sit out all of 2018 as he decides his international future.

Mauro Icardi is in top form for Inter Milan and has scored in his first two appearances in the Champions League, which has earned him a rare call-up to the national side.

After scoring against PSV, Icardi spoke to ESPN about the future of Argentina and Lionel Messi.

“Messi has to come back,” said Icardi, “We will be playing in the Copa America next year and he surely has to come back.”

Despite Icardi being a superstar at Inter Milan, the 25-year-old has only earned five caps with the Albiceleste and is thrilled to have another shot to impress.

“I’m very happy to come back to the Argentina national team. I was in the last squad and now I have another opportunity.

“Just like I do here with my club, and do what is asked of my coaches with the national team. I have to do my best and give my best to our country.”

Messi is Argentina’s record goalscorer with 65 goals in 128 appearances and has also assisted a further 42 strikes.