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Lionel Messi has received an open invitation to join Argentina’s Paris Olympics 2024 squad this summer, as revealed by Albiceleste under-23 coach Javier Mascherano.
Argentina secured their place at the Olympic Games in Paris by defeating reigning gold medallists Brazil 1-0.
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Mascherano, in acknowledging his friendship with Lionel, stated, “A player like him has the doors open to accompany us [at the Olympics], then it will depend on him and his commitments.”
The under-23 coach highlighted the possibility of Lionel participating in the Olympics, provided it aligns with his schedule and priorities.
Messi, who led Argentina to their third World Cup title in 2022, expressed his joy over Argentina’s qualification for the Olympics by posting a photograph of Mascherano’s team on Instagram with the caption: “VAMOS!!!”
Thiago Almada, an Argentina U23 midfielder, expressed his dream of having Messi in the Olympic squad, stating, “I hope he has the desire, that he can be there. We have to see how he is at that time; it would be a dream that he would be able to play.”
While Messi won gold at the Olympics in Beijing in 2008, he has already expressed his desire to compete in the 2024 Copa America scheduled in the United States from June 20 to July 14. This timeline is less than two weeks before the start of the Olympic Games in Paris.
Considering the scheduling conflicts, Messi is expected to miss a few games with his club side, Inter Miami, as the MLS regular season continues uninterrupted during the Copa America. The decision regarding Lionel’s participation in the Olympics or the Copa America is awaited, and it will depend on his priorities and commitments.
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach has expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of having Lionel back at the Olympics, describing it as “fantastic for the Olympic Games.”
