Messi spearheads star-studded Argentina squad for Copa America

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Buenos Aires, May 21 (IANS) Argentina coach Gerardo Martino has includede super star Lionel Messi along with other big names in his 23-man squad for the 2016 Centennial Copa America.

The tournaent will take place in the United States between June 3 and 26.

Included in the team list were FC Barcelona's Messi, Hebei Fortune forward Ezequiel Lavezzi. Boca Juniors (forward Carlos Tevez was not named in the squad on Friday, reports Xinhua.

Martino gave priority to forwards Gonzalo Higuain, Serie A's highest goalscorer for Napoli, and Manchester City's Sergio Aguero instead of Tevez, who returned to the national team in 2014.

Independiente defender Victor Cuesta also made the final cut making it his first time in the team.

Argentina, who have not won an official title in the competition since 1993, will form part of Group D alongside Bolivia, Panama and Chile. Their first match will be on June 6 in the city of San Francisco.