Messi headlines Argentina squad for Guatemala friendly

BUENOS AIRES, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Lionel Messi will lead Argentina in its World Cup warm-up friendly at home against Guatemala later this month, the Argentine Football Association said on Wednesday.

Manager Lionel Scaloni also included two newcomers in his 28-man squad: Estudiantes center-back Tomas Palacios and Racing Club left-back Gabriel Rojas.

But there was no place for the injured trio Lautaro Martinez, Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso. Inter Milan striker Martinez and Manchester United defender Martinez are recovering from calf injuries while Real Betis midfielder Lo Celso has a quadriceps strain.

Argentina will face Guatemala on March 31 at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. The match was confirmed on Tuesday following the cancellation of the "Finalissima" against Spain due to the conflict in the Middle East.

It is Argentina's only scheduled fixture ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The reigning champion will open its campaign against Algeria on June 16 before also facing Austria and Jordan in the group stage. ■