RIYADH — A strong Saudi Arabia team is expected take field against Argentina when the two sides come face to face at the King Fahd International Stadium here Wednesday. According to reports Wigan Athletic striker Franco Di Santo has been called up by Argentine coach Alejandro Sabella for the first time and could make his international debut in the Kingdom. Benfica pair Ezequiel Garay and Enzo Perez have pulled out of Argentina squad through injury. The duo join Gonzalo Higuain (thigh) and Fernando Gago (calf) on the sidelines, while out-of-favor striker Carlos Tevez has been omitted from the squad. Sabella may also hand an international debut to goalkeeper Cristian Alvarez in the Wednesday clash, scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Saudi Arabia has already failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, but coach Frank Rijkaard is expected to name a strong side with an eye on next month's West Asian Federation Championship in Kuwait. There was chaos at King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh Monday night after the Argentinian football team touched down for the friendly. Airport officials have blamed rowdy Saudi fans that wanted to meet Argentinian star Lionel Messi. Messi's fans managed to get into the airport despite the huge police presence and airport security and five security checkpoints along roads leading to the airport. The player had arrived on a private flight with his family before the rest of the team. He had to be escorted out of the airport by a huge security detail. Messi, meanwhile, has returned to the top of the AP Global 10 football rankings after passing Pele's 54-year-old goal-scoring milestone. In the Associated Press' weekly rankings, Messi finished far ahead of his closest rival, Mexican striker Javier Hernandez. Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella thrust his way into third place by scoring four goals in the past two games. — SG
