Argentina have announced their squad for September’s World Cup qualifying games against Ecuador and Bolivia.
Lionel Messi will once again lead the world champions and looks to translate his sensational run of form he has been enjoying at Inter Miami.
The legendary forward has been off to a dream start to life in the United States, netting 11 goals and three assists in 10 games.
He helped Miami win the Leagues Cup – the club’s first-ever title in their history.
La Albiceleste’s attack also features Alejandro Garnacho, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria.
Liverpool’s new summer signing Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez have been summoned by head coach Lionel Scaloni.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios’ impressive form hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he has also secured a spot.
Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur will lead the backline alongside veteran centre-back Nicolas Otamendi.
Paulo Dybala is among the notable absentees, with the AS Roma playmaker failing to make the cut after picking up an injury over the weekend against Hellas Verona.
Athletico Paranaense wonderkid Lucas Esquivel has been handed his maiden call-up to the senior squad.
Although Esquivel, Fran Beltran, Alan Velasco and Bruno Zapelli are listed in the under-23 squad, they will also train with the first team.
Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Juan Musso (Udinese), Walter Benítez (PSV), Franco Armani (River Plate).
Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Germán Pezzella (Real Betis), Gonzalo Montiel (Nottingham Forest), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lucas Esquivel (Athletico Paranaense).
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (AS Roma), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Guido Rodríguez (Real Betis), Facundo Buonanotte (Brighton), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Bruno Zapelli (Athletico Paranaense), Thiago Almada (Atlanta United).
Forwards: Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Julian Alvarez (Manchester City), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Angel Di María (Benfica), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Alan Velasco (FC Dallas), Lucas Beltran (Fiorentina).
