Messi and De Paul named in Argentina squad despite MLS playoff push

BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul have been called up to Argentina’s 24-man squad for next week’s international friendly against Angola, even as Inter Miami continue their battle in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the inclusion of the dynamic duo for the November 14 match. Both players featured in the October international window, with Messi appearing once and De Paul playing in both friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

Inter Miami are currently level with Nashville FC after splitting the first two contests of their first-round playoff clash. The decisive Game 3 takes place on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, and should Miami progress, they will have a break until the Eastern Conference semifinals on November 22 or 23.

Scaloni, meanwhile, shaped his squad with domestic scheduling in mind — notably opting not to call up any players from the Argentine Primera Division, which will continue through the November international window.