Argentina leave out Messi for Mexico friendlies

Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi  was again left out of the Argentina squad announced for two friendlies against Mexico later this month, while players from Copa Libertadores finalists Boca Juniors and River Plate were also omitted. Messi’s omission is no surprise as he hasn’t played in any of four previous friendlies since the end of the World Cup in Russia and is believed to have asked to be excused from non-competitive matches for the rest of the year. Argentina are due to face Mexico in Cordoba on November 16 and then again in Mendoza four days later. But with the two-legged Copa Libertadores final between the two giants of Buenos Aires, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni opted not to include Boca and River players in his list. — Reuters