The Barcelona star made the shock announcement after his nation's loss to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final in June.
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Martino knew Messi would come out of retirement
Former Argentina coach Gerardo Martino insists he knew Lionel Messi would reverse his decision to retire from internationals.
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But, just months later, Messi said he would continue playing for Argentina, a decision that Martino – who resigned in July – expected.
"I knew Leo would rethink the idea of retirement," he told ESPN FC.
"I was convinced the decision to leave the team was after different issues."
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Martino's first job post-Argentina will be with Atlanta United after he was named coach of the MLS expansion side.
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