Messi, Higuain among those picked for Argentina World Cup qualifiers

Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Juventus summer signing Gonzalo Higuain are among those selected to Argentina's 24-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Peru And Paraguay.

After kicking off CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2018 tournament in Russia with an uncharacteristically slow start that included defeat to Ecuador in Buenos Aires and a stodgy goalless draw in Paraguay, Eduardo Bauza and Co. sit third in the table.

Four consecutive victories over Colombia, twice-defending Copa America champ Chile, Bolivia, and rival Uruguay have vaulted La Albiceleste to third in the table on 15 points, level with Brazil and one point adrift of Los Charruas.

The top four South American sides automatically qualify for the quadrennial tournament, while the fifth-placed nation advances to inter-confederation playoffs.

After not making the squad for the last round of qualifiers, Juve's record-setting signing Higuain returns to the national team fold, joining a six-pack of star-studded forwards that features Old Lady teammate Paulo Dybala, Sergio Aguero, Angel Correa, Lucas Pratto and Messi.

Of the 24 players named to the squad, only 'keeper Nahuel Guzman (Tigres) and forward Lucas Pratto (Atletico Mineiro) do not ply their trades in one of Europe's top leagues.

Argentina travels to Peru for an Oct. 6 tilt before welcoming Paraguay on Oct. 11.