Gerardo Martino has named his 24-man squad for the friendlies against Bolivia and Mexico in the United States next month. Lionel Messi has been included despite rumours that he would take a rest from La Albiceleste after the criticism he received in the aftermath of the Copa América and the only newcomer is River Plate defender, and reported Everton target, Ramiro Funes Mori.

Following the disappointment of the Copa América in Chile, there was a degree of uncertainty surrounding Gerardo Martino’s squad for the September friendlies. Rumours had surfaced that Lionel Messi would be excused from the matches or even that he would walk away from the national side and the former Barcelona manager even admitted: “Talk of him considering retiring from the national team is frustrating but understandable: if I were Messi, I’d have stopped playing for Argentina a long time ago.”

Martino has put an end to that, at least for now, by naming Messi in the squad but has again overlooked an opportunity to take a closer look at several young players.

#GiraPorEEUU Aquí están, estos son… Mirá quiénes jugarán en @Argentina ante Bolivia y México http://t.co/XnhbGHOe0b pic.twitter.com/bD2nL0nb3o

— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) August 17, 2015

Besides the inclusion of River Plate defender, Ramiro Funes Mori, Martino has named the same squad that he took to Chile. The 24-year-old has been a key part of River Plate’s recent success and is reportedly a target for European clubs but remains error prone and does not represent a call-up that will excite Argentina supporters.

Martín Demechelis had announced his retirement prior to the Copa América, saying that he would be stepping down after the tournament, but Martino has persuaded the Manchester City veteran to remain. A substitute at club level and 35 years old this year, is it really a selection with eyes on the future to keep Demechelis in the group?

A similar argument can be made for Fernando Gago – whose international days are surely behind him. The injury prone midfielder is performing well enough with Boca but Argentina would surely benefit from giving the likes of Matías Kranevitter an opportunity to incorporate into the group. The 21-year-old looks destined for bigger things and some familarity with the set-up and further experience will only improve him.

Tottenham’s Érik Lamela also remains in Martino’s plans and although his case is very different and the 23-year-old could foreseeably earn his spot in the future, it is difficult to make a claim at this present time when he is struggling to make any impact at club level.

These attacking positions are those most hotly contested but Martino’s persistance with Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuaín and Ezequiel Lavezzi is denying the likes of Mauro Icardi, Paulo Dybala, Luciano Vietto and Ángel Correa a chance to showcase their talents. Certainly Icardi, Dybala and Vietto are deserving and although all will be in contention for the Olympic squad in 2016, there is no reason not to use the friendlies to see them up close in Argentina colours.

The friendlies appear a perfect opportunity for this, before the qualifiers begin and would also bring a fresh optimism to the national side after another disappointment. Supporters will justifiably be apathetic towards this selection but a slight shake-up could have brought a little excitement to the fixtures.

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Manchcester United), Nahuel Guzmán (Club Tigres), Agustín Marchesín (Santos Laguna)

Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Facundo Roncaglia (Genoa), Ezequiel Garay (Zenit), Nicolas Otamendi (Valencia), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United), Milton Casco (Newell’s Old Boys), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Ramiro Funes Mori (River Plate)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Éver Banega (Sevilla), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Javier Pastore (PSG), Érik Lamela (Tottenham Hotspur), Roberto Pereyra (Juventus), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Ángel Di María (PSG)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Agüero (Manchester City), Carlos Tevez (Boca Juniors), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli), Ezequiel Lavezzi (PSG)