Argentine striker Messi recalled for World Cup qualifier

Teenager striker Lionel Messi has been recalled for Argentina's World Cup qualifier in Paraguay next month in spite of his red car-marred debut in Wednesday's 2-1 friendly international win in Hungary.

The 18-year-old was was sent off less than two minutes after coming on as a substitute, dismissed for elbowing Hungarian defender Vilmos Vanczak, who earned a yellow card for tugging Messi's shirt.

Messi, who plays with Spanish giants Barcelona, was reportedly later found sobbing in the dressing room.

Argentina lead the 10-nation South American World Cup qualifying group with 31 points from 15 games and have already secured a berth in next year's World Cup finals in Germany.

They visit Asuncion on September 3 for the qualifier against Paraguay are fourth in the group with 22 points and will defend an unbeaten home record stretching back nearly four years.

Source: Xinhua