PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN star Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina’s squad for 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil despite injury concerns, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said Wednesday.

Messi missed PSG’s 2-2 draw at Leipzig in the Champions League group stage Wednesday because of hamstring and knee problems, though they are understood not to be serious.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni also included Juventus forward Paulo Dybala, who has recovered a thigh injury that left him out of the Albiceleste’s October qualifiers.

The 34-man squad also includes newcomers Enzo Fernandez, Santiago Simon, Exequiel Zeballos, Cristian Medina, Gaston Avila, Federico Gomes and Matias Soule.

Argentina will meet Uruguay in Montevideo on Nov. 12 and Brazil in Buenos Aires four days later.

The two-time World Cup winner is currently second in the South American qualifying group with seven wins and four draws from 11 matches.

(Xinhua)