Argentina physio: "I have no doubts that Messi will be at World Cup"
The massagist of the Argentine national team, Marcelo d'Andrea, is convinced that Leo Messi will reconsider his decision to retire from international football and will continue playing for the country.
Marcelo d'Andrea, known as 'Dady', is a good friend of Leo's, and asserted: "I have no doubts that he will play the World Cup (at Russia 2018). I have a lot of faith in him. We have to leave him in peace. I trust in his silence. He loves the national team, he gives everything for his country".
D'Andrea made the comments to 'FM Pop', according to 'TyC Sports', where he writes a column.
He was a witness to Messi's reaction after the Argentine defeat in the Copa America final to Chile. He described this moment: "When I went over to him on the pitch, there was no consoling him. The expression on his face tore me up.
It was the biggest blow that Messi has received with the national side, I have no doubt. His look at me killed me. I said to him 'come on, that's it'. He looked at me and he left. Those things stay with you for life. I hope he has calmed.
Nobody knew anything about Messi's decision. He didn't say anything in the changing room. We found out from his interview."
Marcelo d'Andrea continued explaining what happened after the return of the side to Buenos Aires:
"When we arrived, my daughter was waiting for me and said to me, crying, that I should tell Leo not to leave the national team. He then came over and hugged her. She still cried inconsolably, though Leo tried to calm her."
The Argentine physio ended by defending the squad: "It is a very strong group, very united, we were in three finals. I am proud of the players. It is easy to talk, there were around 50 of us all there for nearly 30 days and there was not one argument.
We all had the same objective. A lot of daft stuff is said, we are very calm with all the work we did. If you see how the players work, it makes you proud. Let's stop criticising them, let's be happy with what we have."
