Buenos Arires, Sep 24: Injured Barcelona striker Lionel Messi was named in Argentina's team for the friendly match against Japan in Saitama on Oct 8, 2010.
The new coach Sergio Batista included Messi who was injured right ankle ligaments playing for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, Sep 19. Following the injury Messi was carried out on a stretcher.
Argentine Football Association (AFA) spokesman told that Messi was included because he wants to be with players even if he is not fit to play.
"Messi has been called up because he wants to be with the squad. There are also contractual reasons for him to be present but he's going because he wants to always be there as a figurehead of our national team," said Guillermo Tofoni, who arranges the AFA's calendar of friendlies.
Inter Milan's Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso, Real Madrid's Fernando Gago were also included in the squad.