Why is Angel Di Maria not playing for Argentina?

ANGEL DI MARIA has been booted out of the Argentina set-up as their new manager looks to kick off a fresh era.

Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain have missed out too in what appears to be a watershed moment for Argentinian football.

Why isn't Angel Di Maria playing for Argentina?

Di Maria only scored once in Argentina's chaotic World Cup campaign, and his below-par performances contributed to their early exit at the hands of eventual winners France.

Interim coach Lionel Scaloni now wants to embed younger player such as Juventus ace Paulo Dybala into the squad ready for the next major tournament.

At 30-years-old it's fair to assume he won't be a key player for Argentina during the next World Cup, so his international career could be cut short for the nation's long-term gain.

What did the manager say?

Clearing up the reason for Di Maria and co's omission, Scaloni said: "No player told me he did not want to come to the Argentina national team.

"All the decisions we have taken are for the good of the national team and to try to see what we can bring to the future. We have very clear in our minds that we need to add people to this new adventure."

"I feel it's the time for renovation," he added.

When do Argentina play next?

Their next game against Guatemala kicks off Saturday, September 8 at 4am BST.

It takes place at the 93,600-capacity Los Angeles Coliseum, California.

How can I live stream Argentina vs Guatemala what TV channel is it on?

The friendly is not available to watch on TV in the UK.

However, you can follow all the action on our dedicated SunSport LIVEBLOG.