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Gabriel HEINZE on Lionel MESSI not playing for Argentina: “I understand”

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Gabriel HEINZE has given his opinion on Lionel MESSI’s decision of not playing for Argentina as well as the rest of the other players.

The current Velez coach knows a thing or two about pressure. Having played for the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid just to name a few, he’s no stranger to criticism. And when asked about captain Lionel MESSI’s decision of not playing for Argentina next month, he gave an answer. Here’s what he had to say:

“It’s a consequence of everything that has happened. It’s entirely his right to take that decision but hopefully he keeps playing because he’s a player we have to keep enjoying.”

HEINZE was often under fire by fans and the media years ago after a big mistake for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier. An experienced player having taken part in many tournaments with the National Team, HEINZE said that he would understand if MESSI decided not to continue.

“I also I understand if he decides not to continue because what has happened with these players is something which should not be allowed.”

Roberto PEREYRA looks to continue Watford goal form, Argentine’s in EPL Week 2 Preview

Joint English Premier League top scorer Roberto PEREYRA will look to continue his goal scoring form as Watford are away to Burnley.

Sergio AGUERO of Manchester City missed a golden chance in the first week against Arsenal but will look to find his first goal of the season as they play Huddersfield. The big match of the weekend is that of Chelsea and Arsenal and both teams have two Argentine goalkeepers. However, both are squad players and likely won’t play in the match.

Here’s the rest of the matches for the weekend:

Saturday:
Cardiff vs. Newcastle (Federico FERNANDEZ)
Tottenham (Juan FOYTH, Paulo GAZZANIGA, Erik LAMELA) vs. Fulham
West Ham (Manuel LANZINI, Pablo ZABALETA) vs. Bournemouth
Leicester City vs. Wolves
Everton vs. Southampton
Chelsea (Willy CABALLERO) vs. Arsenal (Emiliano MARTINEZ)

Sunday:
Manchester City (Sergio AGUERO, Nicolas OTAMENDI) vs. Huddersfield
Burnley vs. Watford (Roberto PEREYRA)
Brighton vs. Manchester United (Marcos ROJO, Sergio ROMERO)

Monday:
Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool

There are a few players that appear to be in the Argentina National Team picture. Juan FOYTH is expected to get called to the senior squad. Interim coach Lionel SCALONI apparently has Nicolas OTAMENDI in mind for the team but doesn’t plan to call him up for next month’s matches.

Goalkeeper Sergio ROMERO could be included in the Argentina squad depending on the recovery of his injury.

Walter KANNEMAN, Rodrigo BATTAGLIA, Juan FOYTH and more to Argentina team

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Several more names are being rumored to get called to the Argentina team next month.

Defender Walter KANNEMAN of Gremio is expected to make the Argentina squad for next month’s friendly matches against Guatemala and Colombia. The Brazilian based center back has been in excellent form for some time and this would be his first time in the Argentina squad.

Another player is Juan FOYTH, presently injured of Mauricio POCHETTINO’s Tottenham. Per Martin AREVALO, here’s the full list which interim Argentina coach Lionel SCALONI has in mind.

Goalkeepers:
Sergio ROMERO
Geronimo RULLI
Franco ARMANI

Defenders:
Gabriel MERCADO
Nicolas TAGLIAFICO
German PEZZELLA
Ramiro FUNES MORI
Alan FRANCO
Fabricio BUSTOS
Juan FOYTH
Leonardo BALERDI
Walter KANNEMAN
Leonardo BALERDI

Midfielders:
Leandro PAREDES
Santiago ASCACIBAR
Gonzalo Pity MARTINEZ
Rodrigo BATTAGLIA
Gio LO CELSO
Maxi MEZA

Forwards:
Eduardo SALVIO
Marcos ACUNA
Franco CERVI
Paulo DYBALA
Mauro ICARDI
Lautaro MARTINEZ
Gio SIMEONE
Cristian PAVON
Matias VARGAS
Franco VAZQUEZ

Another name being rumored but not confirmed is Exequiel PALACIOS. It’s expected that Lionel SCALONI’s list will have between 26 and 30 names.

Argentine Emiliano RIGONI of Zenit to join Atalanta in Serie A

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Argentine midfielder Emiliano RIGONI will join Atalanta.

After spending one season with Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg, Argentina international Emiliano RIGONI is set to join Atalanta in Serie A. Per Cesar Luis MERLO, the former Belgrano and Independiente man is expected to join on a season long loan deal with Atalanta having the option to buy him for €15 million.

RIGONI played a total of 28 matches and scored 6 goals last season.

Franco CERVI, Gio SIMEONE, Alan FRANCO and more named rumored for Argentina call-up

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More names are being rumored to get called-up to the Argentina squad.

Interim Argentina coach Lionel SCALONI reportedly has more names in mind that he wants to call-up for next month’s friendly matches. As we reported yesterday, Geronimo RULLI, German PEZZELLA, Ramiro FUNES MORI, Leandro PAREDES, Santiago ASCACIBAR, Matias VARGAS, Mauro ICARDI and Lautaro MARTINEZ are all set to make the team for the matches against Guatemala and Colombia.

However, per TyC Sports, there are more names. Franco CERVI of Benfica, Giovani SIMEONE of Fiorentina, Alan FRANCO of Independiente and Fabricio BUSTOS also of Independiente are expected to make the squad.

Furthermore, there are 9 players from Argentina’s World Cup squad which should also make the matches next month. Franco ARMANI, Gabriel MERCADO, Nicolas TAGLIAFICO, Marcos ACUNA, Eduardo SALVIO, Giovani LO CELSO, Paulo DYBALA and Cristian PAVON. Sergio ROMERO is the 9th player but that would depend on his recovery.

It also appears as though Angel DI MARIA and Nicolas OTAMENDI are being taken into consideration and have been told so by SCALONI. But the interim coach will give Franco CERVI and German PEZZELLA a chance.

If the names being mentioned are true, here would be the list:

Goalkeepers:
Geronimo RULLI
Franco ARMANI
Sergio ROMERO

Defenders:
German PEZZELLA
Ramiro FUNES MORI
Gabriel MERCADO
Nicolas TAGLIAFICO
Alan FRANCO
Fabricio BUSTOS

Midfielders:
Leandro PAREDES
Santiago ASCACIBAR
Marcos ACUNA
Giovani LO CELSO
Matias VARGAS

Forwards:
Franco CERVI
Mauro ICARDI
Lautaro MARTINEZ
Eduardo SALVIO
Paulo DYBALA
Cristian PAVON
Giovani SIMEONE

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