体坛英语新闻：Messi called up for Argentina's Japan friendly despite injury

BUENOS AIRES, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Injured Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has been included Thursday in Argentina's squad for next month's friendly at Japan.

The 2009 FIFA Player of the Year injured his right ankle last weekend in Barca's match against Atletico Madrid, and is expected to miss at least two Spanish league games.

Local media said the Argentine Football Association will collect an additional 200,000 U.S. dollars if Messi is flying with the national team.

The Japan friendly, slated on Oct. 8 at Saitama, Japan, will be the third match for interim Argentina coach Sergio Batista, who led the team to beat Ireland 1-0 and World Cup champions Spain 4-1.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates his second goal against Zaragoza during their Spanish first division soccer match at La Romadera stadium in Zaragoza. March 21, 2010.

Following is the squad:

Goalkeepers: Oscar Ustari (Getafe), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar).

Defenders: Gabriel Milito (Barcelona), Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Nicolas Burdisso (Roma), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Gabriel Heinze (Olimpique Marseille).

Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Esteban Cambiasso (Inter Milan), Jose Sosa (Napoli), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Javier Pastore (Palermo), Andres D'Alessandro (Internacional, Brazil).

Forwards: Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Nicolas Gaitan (Benfica).