Is it technically an international retirement if the player in question does not miss a single game or even a training session?
Whatever the correct terminology, Argentina fans received a much-needed boost on Friday when Lionel Messi confirmed he would be available for selection.
The captain had apparently hung up his boots following June's Copa America defeat, but whatever new coach Edgardo Bauza said to him during their meeting this week certainly hit the spot as he reversed that decision.
And as always Twitter did not take long to react to the news, making a curious parallel between La Pulga and legendary Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi as well as dreaming of World Cup success in 2018.
If you leave and come back before any games have been played, did you really retire in the first place? #Messi #dramaqueen
— Sean DiSesa (@SeanDiSesa) 12 de agosto de 2016
Messi does a Shahid Afridi.
— Dr.Buttercup (@Stuprous_doctor) 12 de agosto de 2016
Who would have thought
Looking at so many people comparing him with Afridi, Messi may soon announce his retirement again.
— Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) 12 de agosto de 2016
I don't know anything about football.
— Boring (@AcheLadki) 12 de agosto de 2016
I don't watch cricket.
But I will tweet Messi-Afridi jokes.
Am I cool ?
Messi to return to Argentina squad, say reports. Becomes d only player to be in d league of Cristiano Ronaldo n Shahid Afridi at d same time
— Parth MN (@parthpunter) 12 de agosto de 2016
Messi and Paulo Dybala at the 2018 World Cup have the potential to win the competition
— Dan Tully (@FinallyTully) 12 de agosto de 2016
@bayerncentral @dw_sports Higuiain celebrating his offside goal in WC final lasted longer than Messi's retirement
— Anup (@irondevil666) 12 de agosto de 2016
And as expected, Messi returns to Argentina!
— AWenger (@mihirchheda13) 12 de agosto de 2016
The lad got a tad emotional after that loss! But there was no way that he wasn't coming back!
I hope Messi makes it to another final
— Hunts With Hand Gun (@NjabsTheBaptist) 12 de agosto de 2016
> ..... - Goal