New boss names Scottish hit squad

BUENOS AIRES: Diego Maradona, confirmed as Argentina coach here on Tuesday, has named his squad for his first game in charge, the Nov 19 friendly against Scotland.

And one notable absentee from his 20-player list was Lionel Messi. Maradona was required to leave out the influential playmaker to honor a deal struck between the Argentina Football Federation and Barcelona.

Under the agreement Barca freed up Messi to play for Argentina at the Beijing Olympics but in return would be allowed to hold on to him for domestic duty for international friendly fixtures such as the date with Scotland.