Argentinian Footballers Secure Spot in Paris Olympics: Could Lionel Messi Join the Squad?
The buzz in the Argentine Olympic camp is no longer news as coach Javier Mascherano hints at the possibility of including Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María in the team’s roster.
Intriguingly, Olympic regulations permit three players over the age of 23 to join the 18-member squad, potentially offering Messi and Di María a chance to relive their Olympic glory from Beijing in 2008.
Everyone knows my bond with Leo and the friendship we share. A player of his caliber is always welcome. Of course, it depends on him and his commitments. This year, he faces the Copa América and several other important matters,” said the 39-year-old Mascherano, who previously teamed up with Messi in the Argentine national team and FC Barcelona.
Mascherano’s mention of commitments is no coincidence. Unlike FIFA-sanctioned competitions, clubs aren’t obligated to release players for the Olympic tournament. However, this might not pose an issue for Messi, who reportedly has a clause in his Inter Miami contract allowing him to represent Argentina whenever needed.
Moreover, Messi enjoys a strong rapport with the club’s co-owner, Englishman David Beckham. Should Messi grace the Olympics in Paris, it would mark his return to the city where he played for Paris Saint-Germain from 2021 to 2023. Interestingly, Di María, who also played for PSG from 2015 to 2022, has ties to the same club.
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