Argentina to debut starlet

Barcelona attacking midfielder Lionel Messi was so impressive in the Youth World Cup in the Netherlands that he has been picked for the senior Argentine national team.

Messi had hardly played for Barcelona sitting behind Deco and Ronaldinho; in any event he’s getting his first cap. I can assure you coach Jose Nestor Pekerman is intent on using the brilliant youngster.

He finished tournament top scorer and I suspect he’ll play up front from now on.

Argentina is traveling to Hungary on August 17 for a match.

Midfielder Pablo Zabaleta, 20, who captained the team, was also named in the squad for his senior debut. Defender Walter Samuel has been dropped.

Barcelona beat Chinese champions Shenzhen Jianlibao in a pre-season friendly the other day 9-0. Messi scored 2 goals in the romp over.

By the way, Nike is lining up the $.