Messi-led Argentina national team to play in Kerala next year
World Cup-winning Argentinian football team led by iconic Lionel Messi will play in Kochi next year, Kerala State Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi will return to Argentina colours for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay on November 15 and 19 respectively.
Argentina’s football federation announced the 26-member senior which will travel to Saudi Arabia and Israel for the friendly games. The football federation also announced a 24-member Under-23 squad.
#Convocatoria Lista de convocados de la Selección Mayor y Sub 23 para la doble fecha FIFA de noviembre. pic.twitter.com/Rrqj2vechK
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— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) October 31, 2019
The Barcelona veteran will be returning to the national set-up after he was shown a red card for his clash with Chilean midfielder Gary Medel during Argentina’s third-place play-off in Copa America, earlier this year in Brazil.
The friendly on November 15 will be the second time the South American rivals will face each other after their controversial semi-final tie in this year’s continental event which Brazil won. The match had seen Messi complaining that the hosts were benefitted by favouritism.
The matter blew up when the Albecileste players were denied what looked clear penalties on two occasions. Sergio Aguero was put down by Dani Alves before Arthur nudged Nicolas Otamendi inside the box. Both the challenges were waved away by the referee without going for VAR.
Messi went on to accuse the South Americal Football Federation (CONMEBOL) of setting up the tournament for Brazil’s eventual victory. It led to the 32-year-old being banned for three matches.
Earlier this month, Argentina drew 2-2 with Germany in Dortmund before beating Ecuador 6-1 in Alicante, Spain.
The friendlies will be Scaloni’s last chance to test his squad in match conditions before the South American zone qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, which begin in March.
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