Argentina have recalled Tottenham Hotspur forward Erik Lamela for this month's double header of friendlies against Mexico, the country's football association said on Thursday.
Lamela, who has 23 caps, last played for the national side against Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier in 2016 but missed much of last season and the Russia World Cup with a hip injury.
The 26-year-old has scored an impressive five goals in 10 games in all competitions for Spurs this season.
Interim coach Lionel Scaloni also gave a first call up to Racing's 20-year-old attacking midfielder Matias Zaracho.
There was no place for Lionel Messi, who announced he was taking a sabbatical from international football after Argentina's disappointing performance in Russia, where they won only one game and were knocked out by France in the last 16.
Argentina will play Mexico in Cordoba on November 16 and then again in Mendoza four days later.
TonyV25
204
This Messi rest thing is doing really good for Argentina as more players are being selected given chances and Argentina are looking to find their best combination which can work for them when Messi retires one day
Kobdkmn
119
Why Argentina has only good forwards? 😅
Nesaiknruy_Legend
61
Lamela is the only player I know that has an insane skill set and 0 football brain. You'll see what I mean when you watch him play. He can pull off the craziest things like a rabona goal but would not be able to time a pass properly for example, simple basic stuff...