Official: Messi returns to Argentina squad as Agüero misses out

The Barcelona captain has not played for his country since the World Cup, but the five times Ballon d'Or is officially in the Albiceleste's latest international squad.

Messi has not played for his country since the 2018 World Cup, where Jorge Sampaoli's side lost to eventual winners France in the last 16.

Sampaoli's successor Lionel Scaloni has been unable to call upon the Barcelona captain for any of Argentina's matches since taking charge.

But Messi will make his international return as he is in the Argentina squad for upcoming friendly matches against Venezuela and Morocco.

There is no room for Agüero, however, with Scaloni favouring Lautaro Martínez, Giovanni Simeone and Dario Benedetto over the Manchester City star.

Inter striker Mauro Icardi also misses out, as well as Gonzalo Higuaín is another high-profile attacking omission. Like Agüero, Chelsea's on-loan Juventus striker has not been involved for the Albiceleste since Russia 2018.