Lionel Messi’s requirement to attend Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers looks to have been reduced, as Mauro Icardi is added to the squad.
Suggestions in the week have been that in spite of the 26-year-old being ruled out by Barcelona for between two and three weeks, Coach Alejandro Sabella was requesting that he attend October’s internationals for Argentina.
La Albiceleste are already qualified for Brazil 2014 but their Coach has been believed keen to have Messi at least join up with the squad for games against Peru and Uruguay.
However, whilst the Barca man is still included on Sabella’s current list of players called for the two games as per the Argentine Football Association’s website, the AFA have today confirmed Inter forward Icardi’s addition to that same list.
This is seen in Spain as in replacement for Messi and Mundo Deportivo are one of a number of outlets now reporting that the player will stay in Barcelona for the international break.
Javier Mascherano, who also has a thigh injury, is also currently still listed in Sabella’s squad.
