Messi named in Argentina squad despite injury

Lionel Messi has been named in the provisional Argentina squad for their next two World Cup qualifiers despite his thigh injury.

The Barcelona forward could be out for up to three weeks after suffering the injury against Almeria on Friday but is in the party to face Peru on October 11 and Uruguay on October 15.

Messi is unlikely to play in either of the contests and Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi could serve as his replacement after being called up.

The 20-year-old is eligible to play for Italy as well as the South Americans but the Rosario-born forward has stated his preference to play for Alejandro Sabella's men and is likely to be handed a debut.

Argentina squad: Romero, Andujar; F Fernandez, Campagnaro, Basanta, Rojo, Zabaleta, Coloccini, Garay, Ansaldi; Mascherano, Di Maria, Biglia, Banega, Sosa, A Fernandez, Alvarez, Lamela; Icardi, Higuain, Lavezzi, Aguero, Palacio, Messi.