Argentina’s U-20 manager and former FC Barcelona star Javier Mascherano has hinted that Lionel Messi could feature at the 2024 Olympics.
Speaking to TyC Sports, the coach revealed that Messi is an option for the Albiceleste in next summer’s games in Paris, with Angel Di Maria also in contention.
Messi and Di Maria were both part of Argentina’s Olympic squad in 2008 that won gold in Beijing, and Mascherano could now recall the duo for next year’s competition in Paris.
With a Copa America and MLS campaign with Inter Miami to worry about, Messi could be severally overworked next year if the forward is called up to Argentina’s Olympic squad.
Yet Mascherano seems keen on the idea, with the former midfielder saying: “Clearly it would be a source of great pride for us to be able to have two world champions and these types of players.
“There are players who deserve to decide certain things. And clearly, Leo and Angel are part of that.”
Inter Miami can’t allow Messi to play in the Olympics
At 36-years-old, Messi simply can’t play around forever, and 2024 could be the year where the Inter Miami star’s age really comes into question.
The forward has already hinted that he likely won’t play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and with the Copa America taking priority over the Olympics, Inter Miami simply can’t let Messi travel to Paris.
Moreover, with the Copa America taking place in the United States, Messi will ideally want to play with the seniors in America rather than compete in Paris with Mascherano’s U-20s.