Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has called Lionel Messi into his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers despite the Barcelona forward's hamstring injury.
Messi has not played since sustaining the injury against Atletico Madrid earlier this month but has been named in a 23-man list by Sabella alongside fellow forwards Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain.
Roma and Anderlecht midfielders Erik Lamela and Lucas Biglia were also named in a squad made up entirely of overseas-based players, with a handful those playing in Argentina expected to be added on Monday.
Argentina will play Colombia on June 7 and Ecuador four days later, before visiting Guatemala for a friendly international on the 14th.
Argentina squad: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania); Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Federico Fernandez (Getafe), Hugo Campagnaro (Napoli), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Monterrey); Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid).
Ever Banega (Valencia), Augusto Fernandez (Celta), Jose Sosa (Metallist), Lucas Biglia (Anderlecht), Pablo Guinazu (Libertad), Walter Montillo (Santos), Erik Lamela (Roma); Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris St Germain).
Source: PA
