Buenos Aires, Mar 23 (IANS): Argentina coach Gerardo Martino tried out a team without forward Gonzalo Higuain in a training session ahead of Thursday's match against Chile in the 2018 Russia World Cup South American qualifying tournament.

Now with a full squad, Martino set up a practice match on Tuesday where FC Barcelona striker Lionel Messi was accompanied by Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Angel Di Maria on his team, reports Xinhua.

Later on Tuesday, Martino announced his starting line-up and despite being a top goalscorer in Italy's first division, Higuain, who plays for Napoli, was not included in the starting 11.

Argentina will travel to Chile on Wednesday where they will face the host team for the fifth match in the South American qualifiers.

It will be an opportunity for Argentina to get revenge for losing to Chile at the Copa America 2015.

On March 29, Argentina will then face Bolivia at home in the city of Cordoba.

Argentina are currently in the sixth place on the standings with five points, seven points behind leaders Ecuador.