Messi returns to Argentina squad after ban

BUENOS AIRES - Lionel Messi has been recalled to Argentina's squad for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay after serving a three-month international ban, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said on Thursday.

The 32-year-old Barcelona forward has not played for his country since being sent off in the Albiceleste's 2-1 defeat of Chile in the Copa America third-place playoff in July.

He was subsequently suspended and fined 50,000 US dollars by South American football governing body CONMEBOL for claiming the Copa America was "corrupt".

Messi missed four matches for Argentina during the ban: a 0-0 draw with Chile, a 4-0 win over Mexico, a 2-2 draw with Germany and a 6-1 victory over Ecuador.

Two-time World Cup winners Argentina will meet Brazil in Saudi Arabia on November 15 and Uruguay in Israel three days later.

Following is the Argentina squad:

Goalkeepers: Agustin Marchesin, Juan Musso, Emiliano Martinez, Esteban Andrada

Defenders: Juan Foyth , Renzo Saravia, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Marcos Rojo, Walter Kannemann, Nicolas Taglafico, Nehuen Perez, Guido Rodriguez

Midfielders: Giovani lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Nicolas Dominguez, Rodrigo de Paul, Marcos Acuna, Roberto Pereyra, Lucas Ocampos

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lucas Alario, Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala.