It’s up to Messi to decide if he wants to play in the Olympics

The status of Lionel Messi in the Olympics is still unclear, but the boss of the Argentina U-23 side has informed the star that his presence is welcome. Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi’s at both Barcelona and Argentina, is the youth side’s head coach. Messi would be eligible to play in the competition, as each team can bring three players over the age of 23. Argentina clinched a spot in Paris this summer after defeating the reigning gold medalist, Brazil, in a CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic qualifier. Argentina qualified alongside Paraguay.

Before qualifying, Javier Mascherano clarified that Messi has the freedom to join the Argentina national team at any time if that is what he pleases.

“Leo has an open door to the national team to do whatever he wishes—that’s the reality,” Mascherano said. “If we end up qualifying and he wants to go, he will be welcome. My relationship with him is that of a great friendship and I would love it.”

Now that Argentina has a spot guaranteed among the 16 teams competing, Argentina awaits a decision from its star. Messi has not commented on what his availability would be for that tournament in August 2024. However, he did take to social media to celebrate Argentina’s success. He posted a picture on his Instagram story of Argentina celebrating qualification, and Messi said ‘Vamos!’

Would Messi play in the Olympics?

For years, Messi has had a preference to play for the national team over his club sides. At times, he looked disinterested playing for PSG, but then he looked like the best player in the world when he wore the sky blue and white of Argentina at the World Cup. When he joined Inter Miami, he went away for CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying with Argentina. He picked up an injury in the Fall of 2023 that impacted his availability for Inter Miami as it made a late push for the MLS Cup Playoffs.

However, the Olympics is largely a youth competition. There are only three players over…

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Author : Kyle Fansler

Publish date : 2024-02-12 22:22:09

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