Argentina's football federation announced their first call-up since Lionel Messi's retirement, naming a 28-man squad for November friendlies. The team faces Uruguay on Nov. 13 in Buenos Aires and Costa Rica on Nov. 17 in Córdoba. Chelsea's Emiliano Martínez is included despite recently undergoing jaw surgery. Young defender Aaron Anselmino, 21, earned his first call-up after a $18 million (£13.4m) move from Chelsea. Back with the club, he sustained a friendly injury against Malaysia's Johor and has yet to log official minutes under Xabi Alonso. The squad features Manchester City's Enzo Fernández and Manchester United's Lisandro Martínez. Roma players Santiago Castro, Matìas Soulè and Leonardo Balerdi are also selected. Chelsea's Valentín Barco and Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister return, along with Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone and Juan Musso of Atlético Madrid. Lyon's Nicolás Tagliafico and Zenit's Román Vega round out the list. From River Plate, Thiago Almada, Santiago Beltrán and Gonzalo Montiel are included. Palmeiras players Agustín Giay and José Manuel López, Parma's Mariano Troilo, and Fiorentina's Franco Mastantuono complete the squad.
Argentina's 208th and final Messi game ended with a 3-0 win over Benin. He scored his 126th goal, finishing with 21 years of international football, two Copa América titles and a World Cup.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing