The forward is close to overtaking Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's record goalscorer but would trade that accolade for a title with his national team, after World Cup final defeat
Barcelona ace Lionel Messi has reiterated his desire to play domestic football in Argentina before he retires.
The Ballon d’Or winner has said on several occasions that he will not play for any European team other than Barca, but admitted that returning the country of his birth remains in his plans.
“It's something that I would still like to do. I don't know when, but it's a possibility,” the former Newell's Old Boys youth told El Grafico when asked about the chance to return to Argentina.
“I haven't set myself any goals, short or long term, but I'd like to keep playing whilst my body allows it and I have something to offer the team. When I know that it's time, I'll make a decision.”
While many people believe the 28-year-old should already be considered one of the greatest players of all time, there are doubters who point to his lack of silverware with the national side and Messi has admitted that it is a fact he remains frustrated by.
“I get upset whenever we lose with Argentina because I know that we should have won. We did enough to win the World Cup and the Copa America,” he explained.
Indeed, he would trade the country’s all-time top scoring title, which he is closing in on, for a major trophy.
“I’d prefer to win something with the national team. I am not interested in records. They are there, but that does not make you win titles,” he added.
Messi currently has 49 goals for his country – only eight shy of Gabriel Batistuta’s record.
- Goal