Thursday 29 December 2016 20:14, UK
Lionel Messi has denied claims he deceived his national team after scoring Argentina's winner during his first appearance since reversing his decision to retire from international football.
The Barcelona star announced his retirement from international football following Argentina's penalty shoot-out defeat to Chile in the Copa America final this summer.
The 29-year-old has since changed his mind and scored the only goal of the game as Argentina beat Uruguay 1-0 to go top of the the World Cup qualification standings on Thursday.
And Messi has revealed the decision to return to the international fold came after discussions with new boss Edgardo Bauza.
"I am very grateful [to return to the national team]," Messi told TV Publica. "But I did not deceive anybody when I retired, I felt that.
"We were very disappointed with what had happened, but after that I thought better. I had a conversation with the Paton [Bauza] and the people as well accompanied me through it."
Despite his scoring return, Messi is a doubt for Argentina's next qualifier against Venezuela after picking up am injury.
"I don't know if I will play against Venezuela," he said. "I have a lot of pain in my groin but I wanted to be here after the disturbance I caused."
