Argentina's U23 side secured their spot in the Paris Olympics after defeating Brazil in a recent match. This victory has sparked speculation about the potential participation of Lionel Messi in the upcoming tournament. The possibility of Messi joining the Olympic squad had been discussed even before the qualification tournament, with coach Javier Mascherano expressing interest in having him on the team.
Mascherano, who shares a close relationship with Messi, mentioned that both Messi and Ángel Di María could be invited to play in the Olympics as over-age players. However, he acknowledged the challenges of balancing commitments, especially with the Copa América taking place shortly before the Olympics.
While it is uncommon for players to participate in both the Copa América and the Olympics due to scheduling conflicts, there have been instances where players have managed to do so. The physical condition of the players and their club's willingness to allow them to participate in both competitions play a significant role in such decisions.
In the case of Messi, his relatively rested state after a break from European football could make it feasible for him to compete in both tournaments. Despite being in his mid-30s, Messi's enduring quality and commercial value may give him the leverage to make such a decision.
As Argentina prepares for a future without Messi, the upcoming Copa América serves as an opportunity for the national team to explore alternative lineups and strategies. While Messi's presence has been pivotal for the team, his potential absence could allow for new talents to shine and for the team to build for the future.
As the football world anticipates Messi's next moves, whether it be participating in the Olympics, the Copa América, or both, the focus remains on how Argentina will navigate the post-Messi era and continue to strive for success on the international stage.
