Argentina announced their 23-man squad for the World Cup in Russia featuring forwards Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain. The South American side has however left out Serie A’s joint top scorer, Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi.
Five Premier League players including Manchester City duo Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi have been included in Jorge Sampoli’s team.
Mauro Icardi has been left out of Argentina's World Cup squad!
Games this season: 34
Goals this season: 29What more does he have to do to make Argentina's squad for a tournament? pic.twitter.com/eBbAAXjQi1
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) May 21, 2018
West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini, Manchester United pair Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo, and Chelsea’s Willy Caballero are the other England-based players.
Icardi’s omission from the squad was speculated despite scoring 29 goals in 34 games in Italy’s top flight this season. Sampoli was content that the 25 year old striker does not make the part of his team plans.
Argentina have announced their @FIFAWorldCup squad and it is ? pic.twitter.com/qyacaDvgg2
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 21, 2018
Argentina who lost to Germany in last edition’s final begin their World Cup campaign against Iceland on 16 June before games against Croatia and Nigeria in Group D.
The two time champions almost failed to qualify for the finals in Russia, before Lionel Messi who returned from retirement scored a hat-trick in their final qualification game.
Argentina squad in full
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Manchester United), Willy Caballero (Chelsea), Franco Armani (River Plate).
Defenders: Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla), Federico Fazio (Roma), Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United), Nicolas Taglafico (Ajax), Javier Mascherano (Hebei Fortune), Marcos Acuna (Sporting Lisbon), Cristian Ansaldi (Torino).
Midfielders: Ever Banega (Sevilla), Lucas Biglia (AC Milan), Angel Di Maria, Giovani Lo Celso (both Paris St-Germain), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham), Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors), Maximiliano Meza (Independiente), Eduardo Salvio (Benfica).
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala (both Juventus), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City).