Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Mauro Icardi has been axed from Argentina’s World Cup squad – despite being Serie A’s top scorer this season, says a report on The Sun UK.
The striker, 25, netted a crucial penalty on Sunday to take his league tally to 29 and send Inter Milan to the Champions League.
But the Nerazzurri captain’s sensational form has not been enough to earn him a spot in the country’s star-studded squad.
Boss Jorge Sampaoli named Icardi in his initial 35-man list last week – having brought him in from the wilderness during Argentina’s qualifying campaign.
Yet the divisive frontman has not made the final cut, with Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and Boca Juniors ace Cristian Pavon preferred.
Argentina begin their campaign against Iceland in Moscow on June 16. They will also face Croatia and Nigeria in Group D.
Despite the wealth of talent at their disposal they struggled to make it to Russia, needing a 3-1 win over Ecuador to seal their place on the final day of the qualification campaign.
Icardi earned just his fourth cap when he came off the bench in that clash after a turbulent few years in the international fold.