Mauro Icardi was not selected as part of Argentina's 23-man World Cup squad because he is not in 'Lionel Messi's clan'.
The 25-year-old is one of the most talented and deadly strikers in the game right now but he will be left behind for this summer's much-anticipated World Cup in Russia.
Just this season with Inter Milan, Icardi scored 29 goals in 36 games in all competitions. But this still isn't good enough for Argentina national coach Jorge Sampaoli, with reports suggesting that the goal-grabber was snubbed because - according to Bleacher Reporter - Messi's presence pushed him out.
The forward had said earlier this year that he did not expect to be on a flight to Russia for this summer's tournament.
He said to Ole via the Mirror: "I think that it was only because I lacked more time [on the pitch].
"I do not know if I joined the national team at the right time because of the pressure that we faced.
"But I did what I was asked by the coaching staff, and the truth is, I am very happy to have played a role in qualifying."
It's not the worst thing to be dropped in favour of G.O.A.T Messi, the Barcelona literally pictured in biblical lighting with goats in a Paper Magazine this week.
If you were Icardi, you'd likely shrug your shoulders and say, "fair enough", too.
But it is a sign of Argentina's immense threat in front of goal at this summer's tournament that Icardi has been dropped. They look a real danger, if a tad imbalanced with a weaker defence in comparison to the unbelievable strike-force of Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Ángel Di María, Paulo Dybala, and Sergio Agüero.
Overkill.
Can the South American side win the World Cup on the basis of their extraordinary attacking front? Will we ever see Icardi in an Argentine top again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
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