Lionel Messi has been included in the Argentina squad for the first time since last year's World Cup.

However, with this summer's Copa America on the horizon, Messi will return for friendlies against Venezuela (in Madrid) and away to Morocco later this month.

West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini, who suffered a knee ligament injury as Argentina prepared for the World Cup, also returns to the squad.

Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi and Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra were also included in Lionel Scaloni's squad.

Argentina's shambolic performance at the 2018 World Cup led to head coach Jorge Sampaoli being replaced by Scaloni, whose interim appointment has been extended until after the Copa America.

Messi announced his retirement from international football in 2016 before reversing his decision just two months later, citing a "love for the country" as his reason to return.

His absence from Argentina's six fixtures since the World Cup had led to speculation a second retirement may be imminent, but it appears the 31-year-old will now play for his country until at least this summer's tournament in Brazil.