World Cup players Lionel Messi, Javier Macherano and Gonzalo Higuain have been included in Argentina's squad for next month's international friendly against Ireland, just hours after Diego Maradona was dropped as coach.
The squad announced Tuesday, which the Argentine Football Association said was picked by Maradona, has few surprise choices for the Aug. 11 friendly in Dublin.
Several players left off the World Cup team were named, including midfielders Jesus Datolo and Fernando Gago, and forward Ezequiel Lavezzi. Sergio Batista, a coach of Argentina's youth team, will lead the team.
Roster:
Argentina:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania).
Defenders: Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Emiliano Insua (Fiorentina).
Midfielders: Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Javier Pastore (Palermo), Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Jesus Datolo (Espanyol), Ever Banega (Valencia).
Forwards: Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli).
