Argentina name their squad ahead of the Copa America with two friendlies in reserve – but will Lionel Messi make it?
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has named his 29-man squad for two upcoming friendlies as the World Cup winners prepare for the Copa America.
Argentina will face Ecuador and Guatemala next month, before the tournament curtain-raiser against Canada on June 20. Scaloni must reduce his squad to 26 players for the Copa America.
Lionel Messi is included for both friendlies, alongside a host of Premier League players, including Manchester United duo Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho.
Scaloni also selected Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Nottingham Forest defender Gonzalo Montiel.
Tottenham pair Giovani Lo Celso and Cristiano Romero also made the cut, alongside Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez and Brighton teenager Valentin Barco.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has called up his squad of 29 players for the next two friendly matches.
Lionel Messi is part of the squad, alongside many Premier League players.
Argentina won the 2021 Copa America and are the favorites to win this year’s tournament.
Messi is Major League Soccer’s only representative, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner set to turn 37 at the Copa America.
Messi, who has 180 caps and 106 goals for Argentina, has led Miami to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference.
He returned to Miami’s lineup for this weekend’s win over DC United after missing Wednesday’s game against Florida rival Orlando with knee soreness.
The 36-year-old has scored 10 goals and registered nine assists in 10 MLS games this season, adding two more goals and two assists in three CONCACAF Champions Cup appearances.
He led Argentina to glory at the 2021 Copa America and Scaloni’s side are the favorites to win the tournament, which takes place in the United States between June 20 and July 14.
The World Cup winners were drawn into Group A, alongside Peru, Chile and Canada.
