Lionel Messi has chosen to forego participation in Argentina’s Olympic squad set to commence later this month in Paris. Coach Javier Mascherano unveiled his squad on Tuesday, including notable World Cup victors but notably omitting the football icon.
The squad features striker Julián Álvarez and defender Nicolás Otamendi among the selected World Cup winners. Mascherano, a former Olympic gold medalist himself, plans to integrate goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, Otamendi, and Álvarez after the ongoing Copa America concludes. Additionally, Manchester City’s new midfielder Claudio Echeverri will join the squad.
The absence of 37-year-old Messi, who clinched Olympic gold at Beijing in 2008, comes amid his commitment to defending Argentina’s Copa America title, which served as a springboard for their 2022 World Cup triumph.
Argentina’s Olympic campaign, featuring a blend of under-23 talents and senior figures, includes preparatory friendlies in France ahead of their Group B opener against Morocco on July 24. Iraq and Ukraine complete their group lineup, promising an exciting start to their Olympic journey.
This decision underscores Messi’s dedication to current commitments while nurturing emerging talents in Argentina’s football landscape.