Argentina coach Mascherano: Doors open for Messi at Olympics

Argentina Under-20 coach Javier Mascherano has said he would “love” for Lionel Messi to represent his country at next summer’s Olympics.

The Inter Miami striker has already expressed his desire to participate in the 2024 Copa America which will take place in the United States from June 20 to July 14, less than two weeks before the start of the Games in Paris.

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“I’ve been asked about it and of course Leo has the open doors of the national team to do whatever he wants,” Mascherano told EFE. “I’m good friends with him and I would love that. The reality is we have to qualify first.”

Mascherano’s team will have to go through the South American qualifying tournament scheduled in Venezuela from January 20 to February 11 to guarantee their place at Paris 2024.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said he would be delighted to see Messi play at the Olympics again.

Messi was 21 when he won gold with Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“It would be fantastic if Messi could be there,” Bach told a press conference. “The Games are an ambition of many football stars, like Kylian Mbappé.

For Lionel Messi, it would mean an opportunity to make history again. He could be the only player in history to hold two Olympic medals. Olympic gold medals and the World Cup.”

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was sensational at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and was voted player of the tournament 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 coach’s work [Mascherano] decisions, but it would be a fantastic chance for Messi,” Bach added. “If he plays, Argentina will have a better chance of winning the gold medal. It would also be fantastic for football and the Olympics. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”