The door is open for Lionel Messi to play at this year’s Paris Olympics, according to Argentina’s under-23 manager, Javier Mascherano. Argentina secured their place at the Games by defeating Brazil 1-0 on Sunday in the final four of South America’s qualifying tournament.
When asked about the possibility of the 36-year-old Messi participating in Paris, Mascherano, his former Argentina and Barcelona teammate, told reporters: “Well, everyone knows my relationship with Leo, the friendship I have with him. I have always said that a player like Leo has opened doors, and the invitation to accompany us will depend on him—his commitments and his schedule. However, the invitation will clearly be extended.”
Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, guided Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022 and won gold with the national team at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
The men’s soccer tournament at the Olympics takes place in July and August, with teams allowed three overage players in their squads.