After missing last week's friendly match against Germany, Julio Grondona Jr confirmed the former Golden Ball winner will be taking a leave of absence from his duties as a player for Argentina. Arsenal de Sarandi's owner shared in an interview he spoke with Messi, who told him the reasons why he wants to take some time off Argentina's National Team:
"His absence is understandable. He was really annoyed by critics back in Argentina after his performance in Brazil, and he needs to slow down, get his rhythm back with Barcelona. Don't forget he didn't win anything with them last year, and they will want him to help them out now. He'll be back, I'm sure," Grondona stated.
"Lio's intention is playing with the National Team, there is no doubt about it. I pleaded him to come back and honor the memory of my father (former AFA President Julio Grondona) and he'll do it. It's just a matter of time. Last week he was watching the game against Germany and he was really excited about it, he will return for the Qualifiers or any other important match," the club owner ellaborated.
Messi holding his questioned Golden Ball award for the last World Cup:
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