For first time Since World Cup, Messi returns to Argentina squad

Lionel Messi - Getty

For the first time since world cup, Barcelona top player Lionel Messi has been named in the Argentina squad.

31-year old Messi has missed six
international friendlies following defeat by eventual winners France in the last 16 in Russia in June.

Messi is part of a 31-man squad for friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco this month.

31-year old Angel Di Maria is part of a 31-man squad for friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco this month.

Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City center-back), Juan Foyth (Tottenham defender), Roberto Pereyra (Watford midfielder) and Manuel Lanzini (West Ham) - these are four English Premier League players in manager Lionel Scaloni's squad.

Messi celebrating after scoring - Getty

Players left out of the squad are; Erik Lamela (Tottenham winger), Paulo Gazzaniga (Tottenham goalkeeper), Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan striker), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City striker) and Gonzalo Higuain (Chelsea striker)

Argentina will play against Venezuela on 23 March in Madrid and play Morocco in Tangier on 26 March.