Martín Demichelis, Gabriel Mercado, Fabián Rinaudo and Franco Di Santo were surprisingly included in Argentina’s provisional World Cup squad, while Carlos Tévez was left out.
“It was a difficult choice. I apologize to all the players who didn’t make it”, Coach Alejandro Sabella said today as he revealed the list.
“We will fight for Argentina’s third World Cup with honor and humility.”
The definitive 23 player squad will be revealed on June 2nd.
Cabinet Chief Jorge Capitanich also took part in the ceremony, presenting Football for All (FPT) special World Cup coverage.
Argentina will play in Group F against Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Mónaco, Francia), Mariano Andújar (Catania, Italia), Agustín Orión (Boca, Argentina)
Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City, Inglaterra), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica, Portugal), Federico Fernández (Napoli, Italia), Marcos Rojo (Sporting de Lisboa, Portugal), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter de Milán, Italia), José María Basanta (Monterrey, México), Nicolás Otamendi (Atlético Mineiro, Brasil), Lisandro López (Getafe, España), Martín Demichelis (Manchester City, Inglaterra), Gabriel Mercado (River Plate, Argentina)
Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Boca, Argentina), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona, España), Ángel Di María (Real Madrid, España), Ever Banega (Newell´s, Argentina), Lucas Biglia (Lazio, Italia), Maximiliano Rodríguez (Newell´s, Argentina), Ricardo Álvarez (Inter de Milán, Italia), Augusto Fernández (Celta de Vigo,España), José Sosa (Atlético de Madrid, España), Enzo Pérez (Benfica, Portugal), Fabián Rinaudo (Catania, Italia)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona, España), Sergio Agüero (Manchester City, Inglaterra), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli, Italia), Ezequiel Lavezzi (París Saint-Germain, Francia), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter de Milán, Italia), Franco Di Santo (Werder Bremen, Alemania)
Source: Buenos Aires Herald