Despite the dreadful performances earlier this month that saw Argentina draw with Peru and lose at home to Paraguay, Edgardo Bauza is relying on the talents of Lionel Messi to turn things around when La Albiceleste face Brazil and Colombia in November. In the face of criticism surrounding the selection of a group of players now referred to as ‘Messi’s friends’, the Argentina coach selected a 26-man squad of few surprises.
Sergio Agüero and Angel Di María both endured poor performances and hinted that they would at least understand should Bauza decide not to select them but instead it is Erik Lamela, Matías Kranevitter, Marcos Rojo and Mariano Andújar who make way.
In their place are four new additions and while Gerónimo Rulli and Enzo Pérez are no strangers to the squad, Julio Buffarini and Marcos Acuña are less familiar.
#Eliminatorias Acá están, éstos son, los citados por Edgardo Bauza para la doble fecha de noviembre. pic.twitter.com/035LIPtPro
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) October 21, 2016