Lionel Messi called up for Argentina despite injury worries

Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella's 18-man squad for next month's World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, despite concerns regarding the Barcelona forward's fitness.

Messi left the pitch in pain last night after injuring his left thigh in Barca's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.

He is a major doubt for this weekend's trip to Malaga, but international boss Sabella is giving him every chance to prove his fitness for the Brazil 2014 qualifier on September 10.

All 18 members of the squad currently play their club football outside of Argentina.

Squad in full: Romero, Andujar; Zabaleta, Campagnaro, Coloccini, Rojo, Basanta, Ansaldi; Banega, Biglia, Fernandez, Di Maria, Alvarez, Lamela; Messi, Aguero, Lavezzi, Palacio