Pastore, Musacchio recalled to Argentina squad

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Javier Pastore and Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio have been recalled to Argentina's national football squad for friendlies against Brazil and Hong Kong next month.

But there was no place for in-form forward Carlos Tevez, who was again overlooked despite having scored three goals in his past three matches for Italian club Juventus, reports Xinhua.

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino also included uncapped Juventus midfielder Roberto Pereyra for the clash against Brazil in Beijing Oct 11 and the trip to Hong Kong three days later.

As expected Lionel Messi, who missed Argentina's 4-1 friendly victory over Germany earlier this month due to injury, was named in the 19-man squad.

"Due to the physical demands of the game, sometimes you need to pick the right time to name a player, which is what has happened in Leo's case," Martino was quoted as saying by FIFA's official website.

Martino also called up uncapped goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman of Mexico's Tigres as backup to Sergio Romero.

Argentina squad:

Goalkeeper: Nahuel Guzman, Sergio Romero.

Defenders: Santiago Vergini, Mateo Musacchio, Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis, Marcos Rojo, Federico Fernandez.

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano, Roberto Pereyra, Lucas Biglia, Javier Pastore, Angel Di Maria, Erik Lamela, Enzo Perez, Nicolas Gaitan.

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero.