bdmetronews Desk ॥ Lionel Messi returns to Argentina duty in November as the Albiceleste prepare for what will doubtlessly be a charged encounter with Copa America winners Brazil.
The Barcelona star’s last game for his nation came in the Copa third-place play-off, where he was sent off after his clash with Chile midfielder Gary Medel.
Messi, however, provoked the wrath of CONMEBOL with his comments following that game, when he railed against “corruption” and a “lack of respect”.
Tensions between the star and the governing body had been inflamed during a 2-0 semi-final defeat to hosts Brazil, with the Selecao’s second goal following an alleged foul in the penalty area on Sergio Aguero and the decision not to consult VAR a particular source of contention.
Following the tournament, Messi was banned for three months by CONMEBOL, a sanction that saw him miss a succession of post-Copa friendlies for the Albiceleste.
But he is now back in the fold after being called up by coach Lionel Scaloni for his side’s latest friendlies, including a November 15 clash with none other than Brazil themselves in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Sergio Aguero also earns a recall for the double-header against the Selecao and Uruguay, to be played three days later in Tel Aviv, although there is no place for Angel Di Maria despite the Paris Saint-Germain winger’s recent fine form at club level.
Argentina squad vs Brazil and Uruguay:
Goalkeepers: Agustin Marchesin, Juan Musso, Emiliano Martinez, Esteban Andrada.
Defenders: Juan Foyth, Renzo Saravia, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Walter Kannemann, Marcos Rojo, Nehuen Perez, Nicolas Tagliafico.
Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez, Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Nicolas Dominguez, Rodrigo De Paul, Marcos Acuna, Roberto Pereyra, Lucas Ocampos.
Attackers: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lucas Alario, Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala.
