Argentina will play the United States on March 26 in New Jersey and face Costa Rica three days later in San Jose as Batista continues preparations for the 2011 Copa America.

In the absence of midfielder Fernando Gago (Real Madrid) and striker Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Batista has turned to Fernando Belluschi (FC Porto) and Eduardo Salvio (Benfica) to fill the respective spots.

Batista has also called goalkeeper Adrian Gabbarini and defender Federico Fazio into the squad for the first time.

In their last friendly Argentina beat Portugal 2-1.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Mariano Andujar (Catania/ITA), Adrian Gabbarini (Independiente/ARG), Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar/NED)

Defenders: Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan/ITA), Nicolas Burdisso (AS Roma/ITA), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Garay (Real Madrid/ESP), Gabriel Milito (Barcelona/ESP), Nicolas Otamendi (FC Porto/POR), Federico Fazio (Sevilla/ESP), Marcos Rojo (Spartak Moscow/RUS)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona/ESP), Mario Bolatti (Internacional/BRA), Ever Banega (Valencia/ESP), Fernando Belluschi (FC Porto/POR), Esteban Cambiasso (Inter Milan/ITA), Lucas Biglia (Anderlecht/BEL), Javier Pastore (Palermo/ITA), Jose Sosa (Napoli/ITA)

Strikers: Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli/ITA), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid/ESP), Eduardo Salvio and Nicolás Gaitan (Benfica/POR)