Messi named in Argentina squad

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has named Lionel Messi in his squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers despite the Barcelona forward's hamstring injury.

Messi has not played since aggravating the muscle against Atletico Madrid earlier this month but has been named in a 23-man list by Sabella alongside fellow forwards Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain.

Aguero's Manchester City team-mate Pablo Zabaleta is also in the squad, as is Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini.

Roma and Anderlecht midfielders Erik Lamela and Lucas Biglia have also named in a squad made up entirely of overseas-based players, with a handful those playing in Argentina expected to be added on Monday.

Argentina will play Colombia on June 7 and Ecuador four days later, before visiting Guatemala for a friendly international on June 14.

Full Argentina squad: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania); Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Federico Fernandez (Getafe), Hugo Campagnaro (Napoli), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Monterrey); Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Ever Banega (Valencia), Augusto Fernandez (Celta), Jose Sosa (Metallist), Lucas Biglia (Anderlecht), Pablo Guinazu (Libertad), Walter Montillo (Santos), Erik Lamela (Roma); Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris St Germain).