No Icardi in Sampaoli's Argentina squad for World Cup 2018
It was always going to be a strong squad, but questions remained over who would make Jorge Sampaoli's 23-man party for this summer's tournament in Russia. USA vs Mexico: FIFA Friendly live online
Another day, another World Cup 2018 squad announcement. And Jorge Sampaoli's 23-man Argentina squad set for their Russian adventure was one that was eagerly awaited.
No Icardi for Argentina
For a squad so heavily identified through the prism of Barcelona star Lionel Messi, it was the supporting cast, especially that in the attacking areas, that had fans and observers intrigued. One name in particular was that of Inter Milan's hot goal-scorer, Mauro Icardi, who, as per stories leaked before the official announcement, was omitted from the group. With only two out-and-out strikers in Agüero and Higuaín, this was seen as questionable at best, with some close to the situation speaking openly about this not being solely a footballing decision.
Sampaoli spoke to the press after naming his squad and made it clear that the players chosen were tactical, based on what he thinks they need to do well at this World Cup. And although he was not brimming with confidence about the country's chances of going one step further than four years ago in Brazil, felt that they were in with a chance of winning the famous trophy:
"If we truly show how we can play, we will be a difficult opponent for anyone"
Confirmed Argentina squad for 2018 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero, Franco Armani, Willy Caballero.
Defenders: Cristian Ansaldi, Marcos Rojo, Marcos Acuña, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gabriel Mercado, Nicolás Otamendi, Javier Mascherano, Federico Fazio.
Midfielders: Ever Banega, Lucas Biglia, Eduardo Salvio, Cristian Pavón, Maximiliano Meza, Ángel Di María, Manuel Lanzini, Giovani Lo Celso.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, Kun Agüero, Gonzalo Higuaín.