Lionel Messi named in 29-man Argentina squad for friendlies despite missing Inter Miami matches with injury
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been named in his country's 29-man squad for the friendlies ahead of the Copa America 2024.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup champions will play Ecuador on June 9 and Guatemala on June 13 before starting their journey in the 2024 Copa America, set to take place in the United States.
Messi has struggled with fitness issues this season, missing six Inter Miami games, including one against Orlando City on May 15. The Argentina captain, however, is set to represent his country in the upcoming friendlies, which will be played in preparation for the Copa America.
Here's the full squad Lionel Scaloni has named:
Goalkeepers: Franco Armani (River Plate), Geronimo Rulli (Ajax), and Emi Martinez (Aston Villa).
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Nottingham Forest), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Cuti Romero (Spurs), Gemran Pezzella (Real Betis), Lucas M. Quarta (Fiorentina), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyon), and Valentin Barco (Brighton & Hove Albion).
Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Leandro Paredes ( AS Roma), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Gio Lo Celso (Spurs), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), and Valentin Carboni (Monza).
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Nico Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), and Julian Alvarez (Manchester City).
Lionel Messi and Argentina will look to defend the Copa America title
The Copa America 2021 title marked Lionel Messi's first international trophy. Since the long wait ended, Messi has won the FIFA World Cup and Finalissima titles with Argentina.
Messi will now look to add yet another feather to his decorated cap in the 2024 Copa America. Messi scored four goals and provided five assists in seven appearances when Argentina lifted the trophy in 2021.
The little magician, despite being 36, hasn't shown many signs of slowing down. Hence, yet another Messi masterclass might be on the way for fans to rejoice.