Javier Mascherano Eyes Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria for Argentina in Olympic Paris 2024

Argentina’s Under-23 coach, Javier Mascherano, is considering inviting football legends Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria to join the Olympic team following Argentina’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Mascherano, emphasizing his strong bond with both players, expressed his intention to include the experienced duo in the squad.

However, Mascherano acknowledged the complexity of the situation, recognizing that their participation would hinge on their existing commitments, particularly with the Copa America 2024 scheduled for July. The proximity of these tournaments adds a layer of intricacy to the potential involvement of Messi and Di Maria.

“Everyone already knows my relationship with Leo [Messi] and with Angel [Di Maria]: We are friends. As a coach, I have an obligation to invite them,” Messi’s former Argentina and Barcelona teammate Mascherano told reporters after the game. “But we also understand they have other commitments, and it will depend on that too.”

While Mascherano feels compelled to extend the invitation to the two stars, he understands the challenges associated with their potential participation and respects the players’ decisions amidst their other commitments.

“I hope Messi has the desire and can be at the Olympic games, it would be a dream,” current under-23 captain Thiago Almada said, suggesting he would be happy to hand his armband over to Messi.

The prospect of Messi and Di Maria reuniting with the Olympic team, having previously secured gold in 2008, has sparked significant interest and speculation among football enthusiasts. The final determination of their involvement in the Paris 2024 Olympics remains subject to ongoing discussions and eager anticipation within the football community.