Team News: Lionel Messi returns to spearhead Argentina attack

Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano have returned to the Argentina starting lineup for their opening match in the Copa America against Paraguay.

Both players missed Gerardo Martino's men's 5-0 win over Bolivia in their last warm-up match before the tournament due to their exploits in Barcelona's Champions League triumph over Juventus last week.

Messi replaces Ezequiel Lavezzi to partner Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria in attack, while Mascherano drops into midfield in place of Fernando Gago.

Paraguay start former Premier League players Roque Santa Cruz and Paulo Da Silva, who spent time at Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland respectively.

Santa Cruz will lead the line alongside Raul Bobadilla and Nelson Valdez, while Da Silva will anchor the defence with Marcos Caceres.

Argentina: Romero, Roncaglia, Garay, Otamendi, Rojo, Banega, Mascherano, Pastore, Messi, Aguero, Di Maria Subs: Gago, Biglia, Pererya, Higuain, Guzman, Casco, Demichelis, Tevez, Lamela, Lavezzi, Andujar, Zabaleta

Paraguay: Silva, M Caceres, Da Silva, Pablo Aguilar, Samudio, V Caceres, Ortigoza, Ortiz, Valdez, Santa Cruz, Bobadilla Subs: Villar, Piris, Bruno Valdez, Barrios, Gonzalez, Benitez, Molinas, Martinez, Balbuena, Romero, Aranda, A Aguilar

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