Argentina players polishing skills

AFP, BUENOS AIRES: Two-time world champions Argentina have started their preparations for the upcoming Russia World Cup and players are polishing their skills vigilantly to shine in the world stage. Argentina reached the final in Brazil in 2014, losing to Germany 1-0 after extra time, and will once again look to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi for inspiration in what may well be his last World Cup.

The five-time Ballon d’Or recipient heads a potent attacking line-up that includes Juventus pair Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain, as well as Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero.

Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, the joint-leading scorer in Italy this season, was a notable omission from Argentina’s 23-man World Cup squad named by coach Jorge Sampaoli on Monday.

Argentina needed a hat-trick from Messi in their final qualifier, a 3-1 victory away to Ecuador, to clinch their place at the finals, and results in subsequent friendlies have been concerning.

They were beaten 4-2 by Nigeria in Krasnodar in November and then suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat by Spain in March, although both losses came without Messi in the side.

"I see him in optimal form, very enthusiastic and doing well physically. He was able to pace himself at training after winning the league title," Sampaoli said of Messi, who scored 45 goals in 54 games for Barcelona this season.

Former Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano was one of six players selected who started the 2014 final, joining Messi, Higuain, Lucas Biglia, Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Giovani Lo Celso was called up after an impressive first full season with the French champions, while only three players -- Franco Armani, Maximiliano Meza and Cristian Pavon -- were selected from home-based clubs.

Argentina are in a challenging Group D, which includes Croatia, Nigeria and World Cup debutants Iceland.

Argentina players polishing skills

AFP, BUENOS AIRES: Two-time world champions Argentina have started their preparations for the upcoming Russia World Cup and players are polishing their skills vigilantly to shine in the world stage. Argentina reached the final in Brazil in 2014, losing to Germany 1-0 after extra time, and will once again look to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi for inspiration in what may well be his last World Cup. The five-time Ballon dOr recipient heads a potent attacking line-up that includes Juventus pair Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain, as well as Manchester Citys Sergio Aguero. Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, the joint-leading scorer in Italy this season, was a notable omission from Argentinas 23-man World Cup squad named by coach Jorge Sampaoli on Monday. Argentina needed a hat-trick from Messi in their final qualifier, a 3-1 victory away to Ecuador, to clinch their place at the finals, and results in subsequent friendlies have been concerning. They were beaten 4-2 by Nigeria in Krasnodar in November and then suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat by Spain in March, although both losses came without Messi in the side. I see him in optimal form, very enthusiastic and doing well physically. He was able to pace himself at training after winning the league title, Sampaoli said of Messi, who scored 45 goals in 54 games for Barcelona this season. Former Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano was one of six players selected who started the 2014 final, joining Messi, Higuain, Lucas Biglia, Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Giovani Lo Celso was called up after an impressive first full season with the French champions, while only three players -- Franco Armani, Maximiliano Meza and Cristian Pavon -- were selected from home-based clubs. Argentina are in a challenging Group D, which includes Croatia, Nigeria and World Cup debutants Iceland.