Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos has been left out of Argentina's Copa America squad, which was finalised on Thursday night.
The 26-year-old had been a starter in Lionel Scaloni's team just one week prior vs Chile in a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw. In his place, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, Joaquin Correa, Sergio Aguero and Julian Alvarez will make up the team's group of forwards.
Ocampos took a step backward in 2020-21 at the club level after a 14-goal, three-assist league debut for Sevilla the year before. He managed just one non-penalty goal in 34 domestic appearances - and five goals when including spot kicks - and was criticised for his finishing woes.
Who made the Argentina squad for the Copa America?
Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Emiliano Martinez, Juan Musso and Agustin Marchesin.
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Nicolas Tagliafico, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Marcos Acuna, Lisandro Martinez, Nahuel Molina Lucero and Cristian Romero.
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolas Gonzalez, Guido Rodriguez, Rodrigo De Paul, Alejandro Gomez, Angel Correa and Nicolas Dominguez.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, Joaquin Correa, Sergio Aguero and Julian Alvarez.
Further reading
- Griezmann: You send Messi a melon, he turns it into caviar!
- Inter Miami owner Mas 'optimistic' that Messi will join in the future