Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts

Inter captain, Argentina burden: Mauro Icardi on the verge of missing World Cup squad

Despite his red-hot from this season for Inter Milan, Argentine Mauro Icardi could well be missing the cut for the final squad to play in Russia later this year.

Inter captain, Argentina burden: Mauro Icardi on the verge of missing World Cup squad

London, March 1: Despite his red-hot from this season for Inter Milan, Argentine Mauro Icardi could well be missing the cut for the final squad to play in Russia later this year.

According to a report from Sport Mediaset, after Icardi’s omission from Argentina’s game against Nigeria, it could well be clear that Icardi’s ticket to Russia is a no go.

While his goal-scoring exploits are bringing Inter back into the Champions League, it’s not enough for Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli to reinstate Icardi’s place. Since his fall-out with a number of Argentine players and Diego Maradona himself, Icardi has found it hard to break into the Albiceleste squad, let alone the playing XI.

The reason remains to be his intervention in Maxi Lopez’s marriage with Wanda Nara, that resulted in both getting divorced and Wanda ultimately marrying Icardi, becoming his wife and agent.

The 25-year-old has made four appearances for the senior national team of Argentina and is yet to score a goal. On the other hand, Icardi is leading the Nerazzurri back to Champions League football with his 18 goals in the campaign so far including a stellar hat-trick against city rivals AC Milan earlier this season.

The decision might not fare well with Inter Milan’s board either, with the club fearing that his €110 million release clause could be questioned if he is not selected for his national side. Icardi is heavily speculated to make a move this summer, Real Madrid is a possible buyer.

Argentina will however not miss any action as they have a host of attacking options at their desk with Sergio Aguero, Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain all available while Ezequiel Lavezzi, Rodrigo Palacio and Di Maria could also face an axe.

Story first published: Thursday, March 1, 2018, 14:10 [IST]
Other articles published on Mar 1, 2018