Lionel Messi is back! The Barcelona star was called up to the Argentina squad for the first time since the World Cup. The squad is for the upcoming international friendlies against Morocco and Venezuela.
Argentina bowed out of the World Cup in the round of 16, losing 4-3 to eventual champions France. Messi was naturally devastated, and he had taken a hiatus of sorts from the national side. But coach Lionel Scaloni has taken the decision to include Messi, albeit for friendlies.
Other big names to make the squad are Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala. Most of the other inclusions are youngsters looking to make an impact. Di Maria is also in the squad after a long time.
Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi has not been included. He is reportedly struggling with a knee injury, which has kept him out. Stalwart strikers Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero were not included. Neither one of them has retired, but Scaloni has opted to give game-time to youngsters like Lautaro Martinez.
Here is the full squad: Armani, Rulli, Andrada, Gazzaniga; Pezzella, Lisandro Martinez, Barboza, Foyth, Otamendi, Kannemann, Funes Mori, Acuna, Tagliafico, Mercado, Saravia, Montiel; Ascacibar, Paredes, Marcone, Lo Celso, Di Maria, Zaracho, Lamela, Lanzini, De Paul, Gonzalo Martinez; Messi, Dybala, Lautaro Martinez, Benedetto, Simeone
