FCBARCELONA.CAT

28.09.2007 09:16

Three Barça Stars called up for World Cup duty

David Puig

Leo Messi, Gabriel Milito and Ronaldinho have been called up for Argentina and Brazil, respectively, for the forthcoming first round of the South American World Cup qualifying campaign ahead of the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

The trio have all been named in their national squads as the road to the next World Cup Finals kicks off next month. Messi and Milito has been named by Alfio Basile in the Argentinian squad for the games against Chile, on October 13 in Buenos Aires, and against Venezuela, three days later in Maracaibo.

Dunga calls upon Ronaldinho

Even though he has not yet been given the green light to play for FC Barcelona, Ronaldinho has been named by Dunga in the Brazil squad to face Colombia and Ecuador. The Blaugrana superstar is still carrying a calf strain and has missed the last two league games for Frank Rijkaard's side, but he is expected to be back by the time that the international are due to be played. Brazil take on Colombia on October 14 in Bogotá and then three days later they meet Ecuador in Maracaná in Rio de Janeiro.