Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi is all set for his return to the side having been out of action for more than a month. According to Messi’s Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino, Messi is not far from a return having taken part in light training as the Major League Soccer (MLS) season reaches the business end. The legendary Argentina player has been out of action since the Copa America final in the United States in July where his side won its second consecutive continental title.

<h2>Messi nearing MLS return</h2>

"I wouldn't be able to give an approximate number of days that he returns to training, but it is not a situation that is too far away," Martino said while speaking to ESPN.

"There is a part of the injuries that have to do with the physical, and there is a part that has to do with the mental. We have to overcome them both ways, and I think he is going through that process," he added.

Despite Messi not being part of the team, Miami have done reasonably well having scalped 53 points in 25 matches and leading the Eastern Conference. They are all but qualified for the MLS playoffs and will cement their place in the coming days.

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It has been a year of revolution for the Florida-based club having gone from bottom of the league to now potential winners of the MLS.

Despite the hints, there is no return date yet set for the 37-year-old who could feature in September for the side. Earlier in the week Messi was omitted from Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Argentina squad will be the first since 2013 when neither Messi nor Angel di Maria feature in the squad.

While Messi is out due to injury, Di Maria called time on his international career having played a pivotal role in the South American nation’s recent international accolades.

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi is all set for his return to the side having been out of action for more than a month. According to Messi’s Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino, Messi is not far from a return having taken part in light training as the Major League Soccer (MLS) season reaches the business end.

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi is all set for his return to the side having been out of action for more than a month. According to Messi’s Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino, Messi is not far from a return having taken part in light training as the Major League Soccer (MLS) season reaches the business end. The legendary Argentina player has been out of action since the Copa America final in the United States in July where his side won its second consecutive continental title. Messi nearing MLS return "I wouldn't be able to give an approximate number of days that he returns to training, but it is not a situation that is too far away," Martino said while speaking to ESPN. "There is a part of the injuries that have to do with the physical, and there is a part that has to do with the mental. We have to overcome them both ways, and I think he is going through that process," he added. Despite Messi not being part of the team, Miami have done reasonably well having scalped 53 points in 25 matches and leading the Eastern Conference. They are all but qualified for the MLS playoffs and will cement their place in the coming days. ALSO READ | Bundesliga: Champions Bayer Leverkusen start season with last-gasp Florian Wirtz win It has been a year of revolution for the Florida-based club having gone from bottom of the league to now potential winners of the MLS. Despite the hints, there is no return date yet set for the 37-year-old who could feature in September for the side. Earlier in the week Messi was omitted from Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Argentina squad will be the first since 2013 when neither Messi nor Angel di Maria feature in the squad. While Messi is out due to injury, Di Maria called time on his international career having played a pivotal role in the South American nation’s recent international accolades.

Lionel Messi is close to MLS return: Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino

Inter Miami are expecting too much work from their Argentine star Lionel Messi, coach Gerardo Martino said on Friday, ahead of the team's Florida derby clash with Orlando City.

Miami are unbeaten in their opening two games, with a home win over Real Salt Lake followed by a draw at the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday.

But with a busy run of fixtures for club and country coming up for Messi this month, Martino says the team need to find a way to reduce the eight-times Ballon d'Or winner's workload.

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"I feel that in these last two matches, he has expended too much energy, and that is also my responsibility to make sure the team operates in a way that we can use him in the best way," Martino told reporters.

Messi has been playing in a relatively free role, behind former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez, often floating deep to find the ball and then seeking to drive his team up the field.

It was Messi's stoppage time goal that earned Miami a point at the Galaxy but Martino says the performance took a lot out of the 36-year-old.

"I’ve been discussing some things with him and what concerns me the most is the day-to-day and how he is recovering game by game. I feel that in these first two matches, we have relied on him too much, which has caused him significant fatigue in both games," he said.

The former Argentina and Mexico national team coach said the team have to re-find a way to provide Messi service closer to goal.

"In the Leagues Cup game against Orlando (last season), he often found the ball in the final quarter of the field and was able to finish the play, he scored from inside the area. That’s what we need to get back to, the team finding him to make plays and sometimes finding him for the finishes," he said.

Miami are hoping their latest Argentine signing, midfielder Federico Redondo will have his paperwork resolved in order to make his debut on Saturday.

Inter Miami are expecting too much work from their Argentine star Lionel Messi, coach Gerardo Martino said on Friday, ahead of the team's Florida derby clash with Orlando City.

Inter Miami are expecting too much work from their Argentine star Lionel Messi, coach Gerardo Martino said on Friday, ahead of the team's Florida derby clash with Orlando City. Miami are unbeaten in their opening two games, with a home win over Real Salt Lake followed by a draw at the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday. But with a busy run of fixtures for club and country coming up for Messi this month, Martino says the team need to find a way to reduce the eight-times Ballon d'Or winner's workload. ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia ready to host 2034 FIFA World Cup, launches official bid with campaign slogan 'Growing. Together' "I feel that in these last two matches, he has expended too much energy, and that is also my responsibility to make sure the team operates in a way that we can use him in the best way," Martino told reporters. Messi has been playing in a relatively free role, behind former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez, often floating deep to find the ball and then seeking to drive his team up the field. It was Messi's stoppage time goal that earned Miami a point at the Galaxy but Martino says the performance took a lot out of the 36-year-old. "I’ve been discussing some things with him and what concerns me the most is the day-to-day and how he is recovering game by game. I feel that in these first two matches, we have relied on him too much, which has caused him significant fatigue in both games," he said. The former Argentina and Mexico national team coach said the team have to re-find a way to provide Messi service closer to goal. "In the Leagues Cup game against Orlando (last season), he often found the ball in the final quarter of the field and was able to finish the play, he scored from inside the area. That’s what we need to get back to, the team finding him to make plays and sometimes finding him for the finishes," he said. Miami are hoping their latest Argentine signing, midfielder Federico Redondo will have his paperwork resolved in order to make his debut on Saturday.

MLS: We are expecting too much work from Messi, says Miami coach Gerardo Martino

Newly appointed Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino says there is no question of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets moving to South Florida to chill on South Beach. Instead, the Argentine who was appointed on Wednesday, said&nbsp;the pair are coming to Miami to fight for titles.

Martino, former coach of Messi with Barcelona and Argentina, said he had spoken to the seven-times Ballon d'Or winner and former Spain midfielder Busquets about their impending move to the Major League Soccer club.&nbsp;

"Sometimes in our world, you associate United States and Miami with holidays. And it’s not that. They are coming to compete," he told a press conference on Thursday. "They are coming from winning world titles, Spanish league titles. They are not going to relax. They will compete because it is in their blood," he said.

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Martino takes over Miami with the club having lost their last seven games. They are ranked 27th out of the 29 clubs in MLS. The former Mexico and Atlanta United coach said there was still the chance to salvage something from this season, however.

"One is to see if we can make the playoffs. Right now, that seems like a stretch, but as long as we have the possibility we can’t stop trying," he said. &nbsp;"We are in a good place in the US Open Cup, and now there’s a new tournament, Leagues Cup, that we will aim for. After that, the goal is to build for 2024," added the coach known as 'Tata'.

Sporting Director Chris Henderson said the club would be making more changes to their squad in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

<h2>Messi will transform MLS</h2>

“Come late August, we’re going to have a different look. This will give the opportunity for Tata and his staff to work with the players in a new way."

"It feels like a new beginning for the club, and we’re going to do everything we can to rise up the table game by game," he added.

Martino won MLS Cup in 2018 with Atlanta United and said he was well aware of what awaited him in the North American league.

"I see a league that is always evolving, a league that has a lot of rules, but they are very clear," he said. "It is very level for all the teams, the system of budgets and draft allows all teams at the start to have the same aspirations."

"I like the complexity of the cold of one place, rain of another, heat of another. All that makes you as a coach have to think about more than just managing what happens on the field," he said.

But Martino believes Messi will transform MLS.

"That the world’s greatest player decides to play in this league, evidently it will open an even greater scenario of growth," he said.

&nbsp;

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Newly appointed Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino says there is no question of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets moving to South Florida to chill on South Beach. Instead, the Argentine who was appointed on Wednesday, said the pair are coming to Miami to fight for titles.

Newly appointed Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino says there is no question of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets moving to South Florida to chill on South Beach. Instead, the Argentine who was appointed on Wednesday, said the pair are coming to Miami to fight for titles. Martino, former coach of Messi with Barcelona and Argentina, said he had spoken to the seven-times Ballon d'Or winner and former Spain midfielder Busquets about their impending move to the Major League Soccer club. "Sometimes in our world, you associate United States and Miami with holidays. And it’s not that. They are coming to compete," he told a press conference on Thursday. "They are coming from winning world titles, Spanish league titles. They are not going to relax. They will compete because it is in their blood," he said. ALSO READ: Swimming: Caeleb Dressel suffers blow at US national championships, stands 5th in 100m butterfly Martino takes over Miami with the club having lost their last seven games. They are ranked 27th out of the 29 clubs in MLS. The former Mexico and Atlanta United coach said there was still the chance to salvage something from this season, however. "One is to see if we can make the playoffs. Right now, that seems like a stretch, but as long as we have the possibility we can’t stop trying," he said. "We are in a good place in the US Open Cup, and now there’s a new tournament, Leagues Cup, that we will aim for. After that, the goal is to build for 2024," added the coach known as 'Tata'. Sporting Director Chris Henderson said the club would be making more changes to their squad in the coming weeks. Messi will transform MLS “Come late August, we’re going to have a different look. This will give the opportunity for Tata and his staff to work with the players in a new way." "It feels like a new beginning for the club, and we’re going to do everything we can to rise up the table game by game," he added. Martino won MLS Cup in 2018 with Atlanta United and said he was well aware of what awaited him in the North American league. "I see a league that is always evolving, a league that has a lot of rules, but they are very clear," he said. "It is very level for all the teams, the system of budgets and draft allows all teams at the start to have the same aspirations." "I like the complexity of the cold of one place, rain of another, heat of another. All that makes you as a coach have to think about more than just managing what happens on the field," he said. But Martino believes Messi will transform MLS. "That the world’s greatest player decides to play in this league, evidently it will open an even greater scenario of growth," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets are here for titles, not holidays, insists Inter Miami new coach Gerardo Martino

Inter Miami have appointed former Barcelona and Argentina coach Gerardo Martino to take charge of the Major League Soccer team, setting up a reunion with compatriot Lionel Messi.

Martino, widely known as "Tata," coached Messi with both the Spanish club and his country's national team. He was most recently in charge of Mexico and previously worked in MLS with Atlanta United, winning the title in 2018. Martino's arrival was widely expected after Miami, rock bottom of the Eastern Conference, fired their English coach Phil Neville.

The 60-year-old will take over the team, from interim Javier Morales, once his work documentation has been completed.

"We are very happy to be able to welcome Tata to Inter Miami. We feel he is a coach who matches our ambitions as a club and we’re optimistic about what we can accomplish together," said Inter Miami Managing Owner Jorge Mas.

"Tata has coached at the highest levels and we believe that experience will be hugely beneficial to us as we aim to compete for titles here," he added.

Messi said earlier this month that he was joining Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, having opted to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract.

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The 60-year-old Martino played for and coached Argentine club Newell's Old Boys, where Messi played as a schoolboy.

"Tata is a highly respected figure in our sport whose track record speaks for itself," said Beckham. "We are confident that his achievements in the game and experience as a head coach will inspire our team and excite our fans and look forward to seeing the impact he will have on and off the field".

The South Florida club also expect to complete the signing of another of Martino's former charges at Barcelona, Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets and Mas has indicated Miami could bring in as many as five players during the summer transfer window.

Martino has been out of work since his contract with Mexico ended after a disappointing World Cup campaign where El Tri failed to get out of the group stage.

<h2>Excited to join Inter Miami - Martino</h2>

"I’m very excited to join a big club like Inter Miami and I know together we can accomplish many great things," said Martino. &nbsp;"The club has the necessary infrastructure to be a major competitor in the region and I believe that with everyone's hard work and commitment we can get there," he said.

Martino made his mark as a coach in Paraguay, leading the national side to the runners-up spot in the 2011 Copa America.

After impressing at Newell's he had a season in charge of Barca in 2013-14 before taking over the Argentine national side for two years and then joined Atlanta in 2016.

Martino will also be re-united with Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez whose 31 goals in 2018 were crucial to Atlanta's MLS Cup triumph.

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Inter Miami have appointed former Barcelona and Argentina coach Gerardo Martino to take charge of the Major League Soccer team, setting up a reunion with compatriot Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami have appointed former Barcelona and Argentina coach Gerardo Martino to take charge of the Major League Soccer team, setting up a reunion with compatriot Lionel Messi. Martino, widely known as "Tata," coached Messi with both the Spanish club and his country's national team. He was most recently in charge of Mexico and previously worked in MLS with Atlanta United, winning the title in 2018. Martino's arrival was widely expected after Miami, rock bottom of the Eastern Conference, fired their English coach Phil Neville. The 60-year-old will take over the team, from interim Javier Morales, once his work documentation has been completed. "We are very happy to be able to welcome Tata to Inter Miami. We feel he is a coach who matches our ambitions as a club and we’re optimistic about what we can accomplish together," said Inter Miami Managing Owner Jorge Mas. "Tata has coached at the highest levels and we believe that experience will be hugely beneficial to us as we aim to compete for titles here," he added. Messi said earlier this month that he was joining Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, having opted to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract. ALSO READ: German Kai Havertz joins Arsenal on 'long-term' contract, Spurs signs James Maddison from relegated Leicester The 60-year-old Martino played for and coached Argentine club Newell's Old Boys, where Messi played as a schoolboy. "Tata is a highly respected figure in our sport whose track record speaks for itself," said Beckham. "We are confident that his achievements in the game and experience as a head coach will inspire our team and excite our fans and look forward to seeing the impact he will have on and off the field". The South Florida club also expect to complete the signing of another of Martino's former charges at Barcelona, Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets and Mas has indicated Miami could bring in as many as five players during the summer transfer window. Martino has been out of work since his contract with Mexico ended after a disappointing World Cup campaign where El Tri failed to get out of the group stage. Excited to join Inter Miami - Martino "I’m very excited to join a big club like Inter Miami and I know together we can accomplish many great things," said Martino. "The club has the necessary infrastructure to be a major competitor in the region and I believe that with everyone's hard work and commitment we can get there," he said. Martino made his mark as a coach in Paraguay, leading the national side to the runners-up spot in the 2011 Copa America. After impressing at Newell's he had a season in charge of Barca in 2013-14 before taking over the Argentine national side for two years and then joined Atlanta in 2016. Martino will also be re-united with Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez whose 31 goals in 2018 were crucial to Atlanta's MLS Cup triumph. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ex-Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino joins Inter Miami following Lionel Messi's signing

Mexico's coach Gerardo Martino will not think twice about booking a spot in the World Cup knockout round when they play his native Argentina on Saturday, even at the expense of his compatriot Lionel Messi. The Argentines suffered one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history when they lost 2-1 to low-ranked Saudi Arabia, as captain and top scorer Messi embarked on his fifth and most likely final attempt to win the only prize in soccer that has eluded him.

Asked whether he would have any qualms about taking away such a chance from one of his country's greats, Martino was clear about which side he was on in the clash.

"Mexico has to win, we will do it all for Mexico to win. There is no other answer.

"I know where I was born," he continued. "I can tell you the hospital I was born in, the year I was born, and describe for you my hometown in Argentina - but I need to do the impossible for Mexico to win. I cannot do any other thing."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2022-brazils-neymar-ruled-out-of-switzerland-clash-due-to-ankle-injury-537488">FIFA World Cup 2022: Brazil's Neymar ruled out of Switzerland clash due to ankle injury</a>

When asked about how to deal with the biggest threat for Mexico in Saturday's clash, Martino could not help but praise Messi.

"Those who have faced Lionel will say exactly the same thing: Whether we can stop him or not, it will all depend more on if he maybe has a bad day than on what we can do to actually stop him," he said. "However, we always need to prepare as if Messi will show his best version. We can never speculate that maybe he won't, because many times it has happened that during the 90 minutes, five (minutes) were enough for him to decide the whole game."

The match will be equally important for both sides.

"When we saw Argentina being drawn in our group, we never imagined the scenario we will have tomorrow," Martino said.

"The landscape after our game against Poland, and Argentina's loss to Saudi Arabia, has changed. Even if Argentina didn't appear as the key rival for us before, now it is and that is how we will approach the game.

"Not getting the positive result will very much complicate things for us, while if we do, we may be in a position to qualify to the next round."

Mexico's coach Gerardo Martino will not think twice about booking a spot in the World Cup knockout round when they play his native Argentina on Saturday, even at the expense of his compatriot Lionel Messi.

Mexico's coach Gerardo Martino will not think twice about booking a spot in the World Cup knockout round when they play his native Argentina on Saturday, even at the expense of his compatriot Lionel Messi. The Argentines suffered one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history when they lost 2-1 to low-ranked Saudi Arabia, as captain and top scorer Messi embarked on his fifth and most likely final attempt to win the only prize in soccer that has eluded him. Asked whether he would have any qualms about taking away such a chance from one of his country's greats, Martino was clear about which side he was on in the clash. "Mexico has to win, we will do it all for Mexico to win. There is no other answer. "I know where I was born," he continued. "I can tell you the hospital I was born in, the year I was born, and describe for you my hometown in Argentina - but I need to do the impossible for Mexico to win. I cannot do any other thing." ALSO READ: FIFA World Cup 2022: Brazil's Neymar ruled out of Switzerland clash due to ankle injury When asked about how to deal with the biggest threat for Mexico in Saturday's clash, Martino could not help but praise Messi. "Those who have faced Lionel will say exactly the same thing: Whether we can stop him or not, it will all depend more on if he maybe has a bad day than on what we can do to actually stop him," he said. "However, we always need to prepare as if Messi will show his best version. We can never speculate that maybe he won't, because many times it has happened that during the 90 minutes, five (minutes) were enough for him to decide the whole game." The match will be equally important for both sides. "When we saw Argentina being drawn in our group, we never imagined the scenario we will have tomorrow," Martino said. "The landscape after our game against Poland, and Argentina's loss to Saudi Arabia, has changed. Even if Argentina didn't appear as the key rival for us before, now it is and that is how we will approach the game. "Not getting the positive result will very much complicate things for us, while if we do, we may be in a position to qualify to the next round."

Won’t mind denying Lionel Messi another World Cup chance - Argentina-born Mexico coach Gerardo Martino

The Argentine, Gerardo 'Tata' Martino was presented on Monday (January 07) as the head coach of Mexico's national soccer selection and said his first order of business would be to to put together a quick diagnosis of Mexico's players.

The former head coach of the Argentine national team comes to Mexico after having won the MLS championship as head coach of Atlanta United.

The 56-year-old Martino lead the Argentine national selection that lost the Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016. He also previously worked for Barcelona and the Paraguayan national selection, which he lead to the quarterfinals in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Martino's debut with Mexico will come on March 23 in a friendly match against Chile followed three days later by one with Paraguay.

The Argentine, Gerardo 'Tata' Martino was presented on Monday (January 07) as the head coach of Mexico's national soccer selection and said his first order of business would be to to put together a quick diagnosis of Mexico's players.

The Argentine, Gerardo 'Tata' Martino was presented on Monday (January 07) as the head coach of Mexico's national soccer selection and said his first order of business would be to to put together a quick diagnosis of Mexico's players. The former head coach of the Argentine national team comes to Mexico after having won the MLS championship as head coach of Atlanta United. The 56-year-old Martino lead the Argentine national selection that lost the Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016. He also previously worked for Barcelona and the Paraguayan national selection, which he lead to the quarterfinals in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Martino's debut with Mexico will come on March 23 in a friendly match against Chile followed three days later by one with Paraguay.

'Tata' Martino takes charge of Mexico with his eye on the football World Cup

Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino resigned on Tuesday, deepening the chaos in the frustrated squad a month before the Olympics after its star striker Lionel Messi also quit.&nbsp;In a statement published by the Argentina Football Association (AFA), Martino said he and his coaching staff quit due to management disputes in the body and difficulties in getting the squad together in time for the Olympics. 
 
The blow came less than two weeks after Messi said he was quitting following defeat to Chile in the Copa America Centenario, sparking demonstrations by fans desperate for him to stay.&nbsp;The crisis in the national squad laid bare managerial squabbles in the AFA that are blamed for disrupting the organisation of Argentina&#39;s favourite sport. 
 
Martino&#39;s decision was &quot;due to the lack of clarity in the naming of new leaders for the association and the serious inconveniences in forming a squad to represent the country in the coming Olympic Games&quot;, the statement said. 
 
Argentine media said Martino was frustrated at clubs not releasing players for the national squad. Key players such as Paulo Dybala of Juventus and Mauro Icardi of Inter have not been released. 
 
Former Barcelona coach Martino, 53, took over the Argentina team in the wake of the 2014 World Cup, in which they were beaten 1-0 by Germany after extra time in the final.&nbsp;He guided Argentina to 29 wins, seven draws and three defeats.&nbsp;He led the team to the Copa America final last year and again last month in the centenary edition. They were beaten both times by Chile on penalties. 
 
The June 26 defeat this year was Argentina&#39;s third consecutive loss in a major international final. They have gone 23 years without a major title.&nbsp;&quot;Losing again is too great a pain,&quot; Martino said after that defeat. 
 
Martino comes from the same northern city as Messi, Rosario.&nbsp;As well as clubs in Spain, Ecuador and Chile, he played briefly for Argentina but was eclipsed by his contemporary Diego Maradona.&nbsp;He guided Paraguay as far as the quarter finals of the 2010 World Cup as its national coach. 
 
He returned as coach to his first club, Newell&#39;s Old Boys, and won the Argentine league with them in 2013 before a trophy-free season with Spanish giants Barcelona.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the AFA is in crisis and its management has been criticised by the likes of Messi and Maradona. 
 
Before leaving for the Copa in the United States, Martino said that the AFA owed him six months&#39; pay.&nbsp;Former AFA head Luis Segura quit last week amid a dispute over how the leagues should be organised.&nbsp;Major clubs want to break away and form a &quot;super-league&quot; to get bigger broadcasting revenues. 
 
The president of the Argentine Olympic committee, Gerardo Werthein, warned on the radio shortly before Tuesday&#39;s announcement that there was &quot;50 per cent chance&quot; Argentina would miss the Olympic football competition.&nbsp;The Olympics run from August 5 to 21 in Rio de Janeiro, following which the country will look to the World Cup in Russia in 2018. 
 
Argentina&#39;s great rival Brazil has also switched coaches just ahead of the Olympics.&nbsp;They sacked coach Dunga after their group-stage exit from the Copa America and replaced him with ex-Corinthians boss Tite. But Olympic coach Rogerio Micale will take them to the Games. 
 
(AFP)

Gerardo quit due to management issues in the Argentina Football Association and difficulties in getting a squad together for Rio 2016

Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino resigned on Tuesday, deepening the chaos in the frustrated squad a month before the Olympics after its star striker Lionel Messi also quit. In a statement published by the Argentina Football Association (AFA), Martino said he and his coaching staff quit due to management disputes in the body and difficulties in getting the squad together in time for the Olympics. The blow came less than two weeks after Messi said he was quitting following defeat to Chile in the Copa America Centenario, sparking demonstrations by fans desperate for him to stay. The crisis in the national squad laid bare managerial squabbles in the AFA that are blamed for disrupting the organisation of Argentina's favourite sport. Martino's decision was "due to the lack of clarity in the naming of new leaders for the association and the serious inconveniences in forming a squad to represent the country in the coming Olympic Games", the statement said. Argentine media said Martino was frustrated at clubs not releasing players for the national squad. Key players such as Paulo Dybala of Juventus and Mauro Icardi of Inter have not been released. Former Barcelona coach Martino, 53, took over the Argentina team in the wake of the 2014 World Cup, in which they were beaten 1-0 by Germany after extra time in the final. He guided Argentina to 29 wins, seven draws and three defeats. He led the team to the Copa America final last year and again last month in the centenary edition. They were beaten both times by Chile on penalties. The June 26 defeat this year was Argentina's third consecutive loss in a major international final. They have gone 23 years without a major title. "Losing again is too great a pain," Martino said after that defeat. Martino comes from the same northern city as Messi, Rosario. As well as clubs in Spain, Ecuador and Chile, he played briefly for Argentina but was eclipsed by his contemporary Diego Maradona. He guided Paraguay as far as the quarter finals of the 2010 World Cup as its national coach. He returned as coach to his first club, Newell's Old Boys, and won the Argentine league with them in 2013 before a trophy-free season with Spanish giants Barcelona. Meanwhile, the AFA is in crisis and its management has been criticised by the likes of Messi and Maradona. Before leaving for the Copa in the United States, Martino said that the AFA owed him six months' pay. Former AFA head Luis Segura quit last week amid a dispute over how the leagues should be organised. Major clubs want to break away and form a "super-league" to get bigger broadcasting revenues. The president of the Argentine Olympic committee, Gerardo Werthein, warned on the radio shortly before Tuesday's announcement that there was "50 per cent chance" Argentina would miss the Olympic football competition. The Olympics run from August 5 to 21 in Rio de Janeiro, following which the country will look to the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Argentina's great rival Brazil has also switched coaches just ahead of the Olympics. They sacked coach Dunga after their group-stage exit from the Copa America and replaced him with ex-Corinthians boss Tite. But Olympic coach Rogerio Micale will take them to the Games. (AFP)

Argentina coach Martino resigns over Olympic chaos

Argentina&rsquo;s new coach Edgardo Bauza has set his mind to wooing Lionel Messi back from international retirement as he ponders his squad for next month&rsquo;s South American 2018 World Cup qualifiers. 
 
Bauza was named yesterday to replace Gerardo Martino, who resigned a month ago after steering Messi&rsquo;s side to two successive Copa America finals which ended in penalty shootout defeats to Chile. 
 
The more recent of those results in the Copa America Centenario in the United States in June led to Messi deciding to quit the team. It was his fourth defeat in a major final with Argentina. 
 
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m optimistic about Messi,&rdquo; Bauza said. &ldquo;I hope the chat with him will help for him to carry on in the national team. I want to explain to Messi what my (tactical) idea is. The least of my worries is his position on the pitch,&rdquo; Bauza was quoted as saying in the Argentine daily La Nacion today. 
 
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no need to convince Messi of anything, the plan is to talk about football,&rdquo; said Bauza, speaking in Brazil where he has coached Sao Paulo for eight months. Bauza, who quit his job with Sao Paulo to accept the Argentina vacancy and will sign his contract in Buenos Aires on Friday, has only a couple of weeks to decide on his squad for qualifiers at home to Uruguay and away to Venezuela in the first week of September. 
 
&ldquo;There isn&rsquo;t much time. My first squad won&rsquo;t have many changes but I want to talk with five or six of the leading players,&rdquo; Bauza said, no doubt referring to the likes of Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain. He also opened the door for Carlos Tevez, overlooked by Martino since a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Asuncion last October where he won his 76th cap. 
 
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m thinking of Tevez as I am about other players ... Tevez is a player good enough for the national team,&rdquo; Bauza said. Bauza, a former central defender, rejected a tag as a defensive coach, saying: &quot;I&rsquo;m one of those who think that all (the team) have to defend. Football today is like that. 
 
&quot;You can defend in your opponents&rsquo; half if the pressure is high (up the field) but it&rsquo;s easier when you have players of the quality of the Argentina team. The options they offer you are many.&quot; 
 
Argentina are third in the 10-nation South American World Cup qualifying group with 11 points from six matches, two points behind leading pair Uruguay and Ecuador. The top four teams after 18 matches go through to the Russia finals while the fifth-placed team goes into an intercontinental playoff for one more berth. 
 
(Reuters)

'I hope the chat with him (Messi) will help for him to carry on in the national team,' Edgardo Bauza said today

Argentina’s new coach Edgardo Bauza has set his mind to wooing Lionel Messi back from international retirement as he ponders his squad for next month’s South American 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Bauza was named yesterday to replace Gerardo Martino, who resigned a month ago after steering Messi’s side to two successive Copa America finals which ended in penalty shootout defeats to Chile. The more recent of those results in the Copa America Centenario in the United States in June led to Messi deciding to quit the team. It was his fourth defeat in a major final with Argentina. “I’m optimistic about Messi,” Bauza said. “I hope the chat with him will help for him to carry on in the national team. I want to explain to Messi what my (tactical) idea is. The least of my worries is his position on the pitch,” Bauza was quoted as saying in the Argentine daily La Nacion today. “There’s no need to convince Messi of anything, the plan is to talk about football,” said Bauza, speaking in Brazil where he has coached Sao Paulo for eight months. Bauza, who quit his job with Sao Paulo to accept the Argentina vacancy and will sign his contract in Buenos Aires on Friday, has only a couple of weeks to decide on his squad for qualifiers at home to Uruguay and away to Venezuela in the first week of September. “There isn’t much time. My first squad won’t have many changes but I want to talk with five or six of the leading players,” Bauza said, no doubt referring to the likes of Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain. He also opened the door for Carlos Tevez, overlooked by Martino since a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Asuncion last October where he won his 76th cap. “I’m thinking of Tevez as I am about other players ... Tevez is a player good enough for the national team,” Bauza said. Bauza, a former central defender, rejected a tag as a defensive coach, saying: "I’m one of those who think that all (the team) have to defend. Football today is like that. "You can defend in your opponents’ half if the pressure is high (up the field) but it’s easier when you have players of the quality of the Argentina team. The options they offer you are many." Argentina are third in the 10-nation South American World Cup qualifying group with 11 points from six matches, two points behind leading pair Uruguay and Ecuador. The top four teams after 18 matches go through to the Russia finals while the fifth-placed team goes into an intercontinental playoff for one more berth. (Reuters)

Argentina's new coach plans to woo Messi back from retirement

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