adminBUENOS AIRES. — Argentina captain Lionel Messi was called up Monday by new coach Gerardo Martino for international soccer friendlies against Brazil and Hong Kong, but Juventus striker Carlos Tevez was snubbed again.Messi (27) returns for the Albiceleste after a groin injury saw him miss out on his former Barcelona coach Martino’s debut in a 4-2 friendly win against world champions Germany.
Tevez was absent from the 19-man squad named on Monday despite earlier Press reports that he was set to return after three years in the international wilderness.
The 30-year-old striker was shunned by former coach Alejandro Sabella but his successor was reported to be keen to see the 30-year-old forward return.
Tevez scored 13 goals in 64 matches for Argentina between 2004 and 2011 before being frozen out.
He won English Premier League titles with United in 2008 and 2009 as well as the Champions League in 2008 before adding a third English title with City in 2012. — AFP.
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