Lionel Messi Receives Open Invitation to Play with Argentina's Olympic Squad
In an exciting development for football fans around the world, Lionel Messi has been offered an open invitation to join Argentina's Olympic squad this summer. The news comes from Javier Mascherano, the coach of the Albiceleste under-23 team, who expressed his desire to have the legendary player on board.
Argentina recently secured their spot at the Olympic Games in Paris with an impressive 1-0 victory over reigning gold medallists Brazil. Following this triumph, Mascherano spoke about his relationship with Messi and the possibility of him representing his country at the Olympics.
'Everyone already knows my relationship with Leo [Messi], the friendship I have,' Mascherano stated. 'A player like him has the doors open to accompany us [at the Olympics], then it will obviously depend on him and his commitments.'
Messi, who led Argentina to their third World Cup title in 2022, celebrated the team's qualification for the Olympics by sharing a photo of Mascherano's squad on Instagram, accompanied by the word 'VAMOS!!!'
The potential inclusion of Messi in the Olympic squad has generated widespread excitement. Thiago Almada, a midfielder for Argentina's under-23 team, expressed his dream of playing alongside the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner at the Olympics.
'I hope he has the desire, that he can be there,' Almada said. 'We have to see how he is at that time; it would be a dream for him to be able to play.'
Messi has a history of success at the Olympics, having won a gold medal with Argentina in Beijing in 2008. His participation in the upcoming Games would undoubtedly be a major attraction for football enthusiasts around the globe.
Even International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach has voiced his excitement at the prospect of Messi's return to the Olympic stage. He recently declared that it would be 'fantastic for the Olympic Games to have him back there.'
However, Messi has already expressed his intention to compete in the 2024 Copa America, which will take place in the United States from June 20 to July 14. This timeline poses a challenge, as the Games in Paris are scheduled to commence just two weeks after the Copa America concludes.
Given his commitments, it remains to be seen whether Messi will avail himself of the opportunity to play at the Olympics. Furthermore, his involvement in the tournament could potentially require him to miss a few matches with his club side, Inter Miami, as the MLS regular season continues concurrent to the Copa America.
Fans eagerly await an official decision from Lionel Messi regarding his participation in the Olympic Games. Whatever choice he makes, there is no denying the immense impact and excitement that his presence would bring to the tournament, as football enthusiasts worldwide hold their breath in anticipation.
