Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has announced a 33-man squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador. Star forward Lionel Messi has returned to the team.
Messi was rested for the World Cup qualifiers in February as he could not cope with the Corona crisis. But this time he will play in the national team jersey.
Four footballers are unable to play this time due to the ban. They are Emiliano Martinez, Geo Lo Celso, Cristiano Romero and Emiliano Bundeya.
Alejandro Garencho, a 16-year-old from Manchester United, has been named in the squad as a surprise. However, there was no place for Juventus star forward Paolo DiBalla.
Alexis Mac Alistair of Brighton has taken the place. And for the first time, Lucas Bue has received a call.
Argentina will host Venezuela on March 25. The last match of the season will be played on March 30 against Ecuador. Albiceleste are two points behind South America in the World Cup qualifiers with four points less than the top Brazil.
Argentina team
Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Juan Musso, Geronimo Ruli.
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Juan Fayette, Noel Molina, Herman Pessia, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico.
Midfielders: Franco Carboni, Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodriguez, Rodrigo de Paul, Esekiel Palacios, Alexis McAllister, Valentin Carboni, Alejandro Garencha, Nicolas Pass, Tiago Geral.
Forwards: Anhel Correa, Matias Sule, Lucas Ocampos, Anhel de Maria, Nicolas Gonzalez, Joaquin Correa, Lionel Messi, Lucas Boye, Lataro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.