Messi left out of Argentina squad for friendlies
BUENOS AIRES: Barcelona star Lionel MESSI was left out of THE irst post-world Cup Argentina squad announced on Friday ahead of four upcoming friendlies.
The move was widely expected following media reports earlier in the week claiming the five-time Ballon d’or winner had asked to be excused from the country’s four remaining friendlies in 2018.
Also absent from interim coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad are Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria of Paris Saint-germain and new AC Milan loan signing Gonzalo Higuain.
Argentina will play Guatemala and colombia next month in the united States, with two more friendlies scheduled before the end of the year.
Argentina great Diego Maradona had called on the national team to give Messi a break in an interview published in sport daily ole on friday.
“I would give him space to breathe. I would tell him ‘play in Europe and stop travelling so you don’t get tired anymore ’. he shouldn’ t play in friend lies just because the national team earns more with him ,” the 57- year-old World Cup winner said.
“Messi shouldn’t be moving around for money.” The Guatemala match in Los Angeles will be Argentina’s first since they were knocked out of the World Cup by eventual winners France in a thrilling 4-3 last-16 classic.
Jorge Sampaoli was sacked following that showing, with Maradona offering to coach the national side for free.