Wednesday 11 March 2015 07:16, UK
Argentina coach Gerardo Martino has named Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain in a squad to face El Salvador and Ecuador in international friendlies later this month in the United States.
Martino announced the 22-player squad, which also included a first-time call up for Real Sociedad goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, in preparation for the Copa America this summer in Chile.
Juventus striker Carlos Tevez, who returned to the international fold in November after being omitted for three years under former coach Alejandro Sabella, was also named in the squad.
There was no room, however, for Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis - a starter for Argentina in last year's World Cup.
Central defender Ezequiel Garay and winger Ezequiel Lavezzi were included for the first time, having last turned out for Argentina in the World Cup final against Germany in Rio de Janeiro in July.
Argentina face El Salvador on March 28 at FedEx Field in Washington, and then play Ecuador at the MetLife in New Jersey three days later.
They also have a home warm-up with Bolivia scheduled for June 6 in San Juan.
Argentina take on holders Uruguay, Paraguay and Jamaica in Group B at the Copa America.
Argentina Squad:
Goalkeepers: Nahuel Guzman (UANL Tigres), Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Geronimo Rulli (Real Sociedad).
Defenders: Ezequiel Garay (Zenit St Petersburg), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United), Facundo Roncaglia (Genoa), Mateo Musacchio (Villarreal), Lucas Orban, Nicolas Otamendi (both Valencia).
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Javier Pastore (Paris St-Germain), Angel Di Maria (Manchester United), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Roberto Pereyra (Juventus), Ever Banega (Sevilla), Enzo Perez (Valencia).
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris St-Germain), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Carlos Tevez (Juventus) (Editing by Pritha Sarkar).
