Lionel Messi headlines Argentina squad for Australia, Indonesia friendlies

Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for their upcoming worldwide friendlies in Asia.

The 2022 World Cup winners tackle Australia in Beijing on June 15 earlier than dealing with Indonesia in Jakarta 4 days later.

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Messi, who scored in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Strasbourg to assist Paris Saint-Germain clinch the Ligue 1 title, is one among 27 gamers named by head coach Lionel Scaloni.

The Argentina captain goes into the Asia tour having but to announce a call about his subsequent membership. Messi, 35, turns into a free agent this summer time after not signing a contract extension with PSG, the membership he joined two years in the past from Barcelona.

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, who was not given permission by his membership to play on the Under-20 World Cup, can also be within the Argentina squad.

Garnacho, 18, is but to make his senior worldwide debut after lacking the March friendlies due to damage.

Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez can also be included, though the ahead will first try and develop into the one footballer in historical past to win the World Cup and a European treble in the identical season.

Alvarez, 23, has scored 17 objectives and arrange 5 extra for Premier League champions City in his first season in Europe.

Five gamers from Argentina’s World Cup profitable aspect should not concerned, together with attacking pair Lautaro Martinez and Paulo Dybala.

Martinez is predicted to start out for Inter Milan within the Champions League ultimate in opposition to City on June 10 and can then bear therapy to resolve a foot drawback that has bothered him all season.

Roma ahead Dybala has struggled with an ankle damage since April and is uncertain for Wednesday’s Europa League ultimate in opposition to Sevilla.

Uncapped PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Walter Benitez has been named within the squad.