Scaloni names Argentina squad for first post-Messi friendlies

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has named a 28-player squad for November friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica, marking the national team’s first selection since Lionel Messi retired from international football. The squad will meet Uruguay on November 13 at La Bombonera and Costa Rica on November 17 at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium in Córdoba. The announcement includes first-time senior call-up Aaron Anselmino, a defender, and the returns of Gonzalo Montiel and Mariano Troilo. Anselmino joins the senior side for the first time, while Montiel and Parma defender Troilo are back in the squad after absences. Several established players are missing. Cristian Romero and Lautaro Martínez were not selected; reports attributed their absences to injuries, with Martínez’s described as a thigh injury. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was included despite reports that he had suffered a fractured jaw. The reports did not establish further details about his availability for the matches. Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso were also omitted. One report said Scaloni left them out at his discretion, but the squad announcement did not give a reason for their absence. Leandro Paredes and...