Argentina calls up stars, a few new faces


BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Argentina has called up stars such as Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain for a friendly against Sweden on Feb. 6.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella called up primarily established players for the match, but also added defender Cristian Ansaldi of Russian club Rubin Kazan and midfielder Walter Montillo of Brazilian club Santos. Striker Franco Di Santo of English club Wigan earned his second call up.

Argentina faces Sweden at Solna, just outside the capital Stockholm.



Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Cristian Alvarez (Espanyol).

Defenders: Cristian Ansaldi (Rubin Kazan), Hugo Campagnaro (Napoli), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Walter Montillo (Santos), Pablo Zabatela (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Ever Banega (Valencia), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Fernando Gago (Valencia), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Enzo Perez (Benfica), Fabian Rinaudo (Sporting Lisbon).

Forwards: Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Franco Di Santo (Wigan), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Nicolas Gaitan (Benfica), Lionel Messi (Barcelona).