Barcelona's Lionel Messi, plus Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta from English champion Manchester City, were named Friday in Argentina's team for a June 2 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador.
Argentina also has a friendly on June 9 against Brazil.
The only surprise in the squad was a first-time call up for Universidad de Chile defender Matias Rodriguez. Coach Alejandro Sabella was expected to add to the list with players from the Argentine first division.
Uruguay leads South American World Cup qualifying with seven points from three matches. Argentina and Venezuela have seven from four matches.
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Squad:
Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria).
Defenders: Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Hugo Campagnaro (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Matias Rodriguez (Universidad de Chile), Marcos Rojo (Spartak Moscow), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Fernando Gago (Roma), Pablo Guinazu (Internacional, Brazil), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Maxi Rodriguez (Liverpool), Jose Sosa (Metalist, Ukraine).
Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Eduardo Salvio (Atletico Madrid).
