By Mutlu Demi̇rtastan
ISTANBUL (AA) – Two time World Cup winner Argentina eyes the third victory in Russia.
Led by Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, Argentina will play against Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D.
Managed by Jorge Sampaoli, Argentina were in the top four in South American qualifiers so they went to the 2018 FIFA World Cup directly.
Argentina claimed 28 points and came third in standings led by Brazil. Uruguay were in the second spot.
Argentina will rely on stars in the offense, who can be the nightmare of opponents such as Messi, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Angel Di Maria, Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, Juventus duo Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala.
West Ham United midfielder Manuel Lanzini's injury upset Argentina on Friday as the 25-year-old will miss the World Cup because of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, Argentina Football Federation said on social media.
Argentina have already qualified for the World Cup 16 times.
Winners of 1978 and 1986, Argentina lost the final against Germany in 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
– Argentina's squad for Russia 2018:
Goalkeepers: Nahuel Guzman (Tigres), Franco Armani (River Plate), Willy Caballero (Chelsea)
Defenders: Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla), Federico Fazio (Roma), Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City), Cristian Ansaldi (Inter), Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United)
Midfielders: Ever Banega (Sevilla), Javier Mascherano (Hebei China Fortune), Eduardo Salvio (Benfica), Lucas Biglia (AC Milan), Angel Di Maria (PSG), Giovani Lo Celso (PSG), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham United – Injured), Maximiliano Meza (Independiente), Marcos Acuna (Sporting Lisbon)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus), Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors), Paulo Dybala (Juventus)
Manager: Jorge Sampaoli
