Lionel Messi and the returning Sergio Aguero headed a 33-man list as Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni named an enlarged preliminary Copa America squad on Wednesday. Paris Saint Germain winger Angel Di Maria was also included but there was no place for striker Gonzalo Higuain, who is on loan at Chelsea from Juventus. “These are the ones we consider to be the best,” said Scaloni, who will have to reduce his list to 23 players next week ahead of the tournament hosted by Brazil, which begins on June 14.
Argentina will play in Group B alongside Colombia, Paraguayand guests Qatar, the 2022 World Cup hosts and current Asian champions.
Messi, who only returned to the Argentina squad in Marchafter an eight-month absence following the World Cup in Russia, will turn 32during the competition.Di Maria, like Messi, made his post-World Cupreturn in March ahead of friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco, but Aguerohad not been called up since Argentina’s 4-3 last 16 defeat to eventualchampions France in Russia.