Argentina U-20 coach Javier Mascherano says he really wants Lionel Messi to represent his country at next summer’s Olympics.
The Inter Miami forward has expressed his desire to compete in the 2024 Copa America which will be held in the United States from June 20 to July 14, less than two weeks before the Olympics begin in Paris.
“I have been asked about it and of course Leo opens the door for the national team to do what he wants,” Mascherano told EFE.
“I’m good friends with him and I’m going to like him. The truth is we have to get through first.”
Mascherano’s team must go through the South American qualifying tournament scheduled in Venezuela from January 20 to February 11 to ensure their place in Paris 2024.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said he would love to see Messi play again at the Olympics.
Messi was 21 years old when he won gold with Argentina at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
“It would be amazing if Messi could be there,” Bach said in a press conference.
“This competition is the ambition of many football stars, such as Kylian Mbappé.
“For Lionel Messi, this means an opportunity to write history again. He could become the only player in history to have two Olympic medals. Olympic and World Cup gold medals.”
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was sensational at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and was named the tournament’s best player after his seven goals and three assists in seven appearances helped Argentina win their first world title in 36 years.
“I don’t want to interfere in the decision of the coach [Mascherano], but this will be a fantastic opportunity for Messi,” added Bach.
“If he plays, Argentina will have a greater chance of winning the gold medal. It will also be fantastic for football and the Olympics. We will be hopeful.”
