Argentina enters the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as a formidable force in Group B, aiming to recapture the gold medal glory of the early 2000s.
The South American giants have a rich history in the Olympic football tournament, with consecutive titles in 2004 and 2008 solidifying their status as a powerhouse.
Led by former Liverpool and Barcelona star Javier Mascherano, the team is poised to make a strong impact. However, the absence of Lionel Messi, a key figure in Argentina’s previous Olympic triumphs, has cast a shadow over their campaign.
Ahead of the 2024 tournament, they are among the favorites to go on and secure the gold medal despite their lackluster performances in recent appearances.
The main focus will be on the squad selected by former Liverpool and Barcelona star Javier Mascherano. Lionel Messi was eligible for a call-up as a senior player, but will he be involved?
Why Isn’t Lionel Messi playing in the Olympics?
Despite being eligible as an overage player, Lionel Messi will not be part of the squad due to Inter Miami’s request to prioritize their star player following Copa America duties. With FIFA rules allowing clubs to retain players for the Olympics, Messi’s MLS club opted to protect him from potential injury after a recent ankle sprain.
Lionel Messi wants to play for both club and country in the coming years and is targeting participation in the FIFA 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Lionel Messi was part of the team that secured gold in Beijing in 2008. Mascherano was also in that winning team, as he was in Athens four years earlier.
