Argentina U23 team invites Messi to attend Olympics

Argentina U23 Argentina coach Javier Mascherano wants Lionel Messi to attend the 2024 Olympics to increase his chances of winning.

"Everyone knows the friendship between me and Leo," Mascherano said after qualifying for the Olympics on February 12. "A player like him is always welcome."

Mascherano wants Messi to attend the Olympics, but admits it won't be easy. The Argentina U23 coach is aware that Messi will have to prioritize the Copa America, which ends just over a week before the Olympics, and Inter Miami's club competitions. In addition, the striker, who will soon be 37, will have to deal with the risk of injury and overwork, which kept him out for the last three months of 2023.

"We have to be careful," Mascherano added. "As a coach, I have an obligation to invite Messi. However, he has other commitments."

Mascherano (right) and the Argentina U23 team celebrate their Olympic ticket after the 1-0 win over Brazil on February 12 in Venezuela. Photo: AFA

Thiago Almada, captain of the U23 team and Messi's teammate at the 2022 World Cup, also wants his senior to attend the Olympics. Almada said after the 1-0 win over Brazil U23: "I hope Leo is motivated to go to the Olympics and can participate. We have to see how he is at that time. It is a dream for Argentina for him to participate."

Along with Paraguay, Argentina U23 is one of two South American teams to have qualified for the Olympics. In the decisive match on February 12, Mascherano's team beat Brazil 1-0 and took second place. Brazil only needed a draw to qualify, but paid a heavy price for conceding a goal in the 78th minute. The failure of the yellow-green team in the South American qualifying round was a big surprise, especially after winning the gold medal at the last two Olympics.

The Olympic men's soccer tournament allows for a number of players over the age of 23. If Messi participates, he will have a chance to win a second gold medal. However, before the Olympics start on July 24, the Argentina captain will likely have to participate in the Copa America from June 20 to July 14. Since Inter Miami will still be playing during the Copa America and the Olympics, Messi may have to miss many club matches.

Mascherano played alongside Messi for many years at Barca, Argentina national team and U23. Together, the two won two Champions Leagues, five La Liga titles and the 2008 Olympic gold medal. After retiring from playing in 2020, the former centre-back began coaching with Argentina's U20 team and then the U23 team.

Football is one of 32 sports at the 2024 Olympics in France. Messi played for two years in France for PSG, winning two Ligue 1 titles and a French Super Cup. However, in the 2022 World Cup final, the 36-year-old striker and his teammates beat the French team in a penalty shootout to win the title.

Thanh Quy (according to ESPN )

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