Argentina reveal squad

By Graeme Bailey.   Last Updated: January 1, 1970 1:00am

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Argentina have confirmed their squad for the World Cup finals, and it includes both Gabriel Heinze and Lionel Messi.

Both players have been struggling with injury in recent months, but they have fought their way back to fitness and have done enough to claim their spots.

Two big shocks saw both Javier Zanetti of Internazionale and Bayern Munich's Martin Demichelis left out by Jose Pekerman, who did find room for Lionel Scaloni - who finished the season on loan at West Ham United.

As expected Pablo Aimar, Juan Roman Riquelme and Javier Saviola gained their places - but uncapped 19-year-old Oscar Ustari's inclusion as third-choice keeper ahead of German Lux was a surprise.

Squad in full:

Roberto Abbondanzieri (Boca Juniors), Leonardo Franco (Atletico Madrid), Oscar Ustari (Independiente), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo La Coruna), Roberto Ayala (Valencia), Gabriel Heinze (Manchester United), Juan Pablo Sorin (Villarreal), Gabriel Milito (Real Zaragoza), Nicolas Burdisso (Internazionale), Leandro Cufre (Roma), Lionel Scaloni (West Ham United), Esteban Cambiasso (Internazionale), Javier Mascherano (Corinthians), Luis Gonzalez (Porto), Pablo Aimar (Valencia), Juan Roman Riquelme (Villarreal), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Carlos Tevez (Corinthians), Hernan Crespo (Chelsea), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Rodrigo Palacio (Boca Juniors), Javier Saviola (Sevilla), Julio Cruz (Internazionale)