BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s 23-player World Cup squad announced by coach Alejandro Sabella with the list headed by Barcelona’s Lionel Messi but missing midfielder Ever Banega, Nicolas Otamendi and Jose Sosa.
Banega was left out after Sabella elected to side with Celta Vigo’s Augusto Fernandez, who has recovered from injury.
Two-time world champions Argentina, who haven’t been past the quarter-finals since the 1990 World Cup, will play debutants Bosnia in their Group F opener on June 15. The South Americans have also been drawn alongside Iran and African Cup of Nations champions Nigeria.
Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Mariano Andujar (Catania/ITA), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors), Sergio Romero (Monaco/FRA)
Defenders: Jose Basanta (Monterrey/MEX), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica/POR), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City/ENG), Lisandro Lopez (Getafe/ESP), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan/ITA)
Midfielders: Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan/ITA), Lucas Biglia (Lazio/ITA), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid/ESP), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo/ESP), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona/ESP), Enzo Perez (Benfica/POR), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Newll’s Old Boys)
Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/ENG), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli/ITA), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan/ITA). (Agencies)