Argentine inspection team's thumbs-up to venue for Messi match

Putting all the doubts to rest, a three-member team, led by Argentina assistant coach Julian Camino, on Friday gave the go-ahead to Kolkata's Yuba Bharati Krirangan, which will host his country's international friendly against Venezuela on September 2.

The match assumes great significance for Argentina as they have named a full strength side, which will also see wunderkind Lionel Messi don the captain's armband.

"Me and my team visited the stadium in the morning (Friday) and also saw the hotel. We saw the practice venue (Mohun Bagan ground) yesterday and we are happy with the arrangements here," Camino said.

"We want to win here so we are coming with the best possible team including Messi, who will debut as the captain in the match. We want to see a packed stadium and a memorable match here," the former defender, who donned the Argentina jersey in early 80's and also represented East Bengal in 1988, added.

Camino, who along with Pernas Oscar Alberto and Martin Rodrigo arrived in Kolkata on Thursday morning to inspect the practice and the match venue, further said that Messi was also looking forward to the match.

"Messi is being loved everywhere. He knows well that he will be loved here too. He is really willing to come here," he said.

Earlier on the day, Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella announced a 26-member squad with the notable omission of Carlos Tevez, though his Manchester City teammate Sergio Aguero found a place along with Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain (both Real Madrid), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Martin Demichelis (Mallaga) and Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle United).