Mascherano Opens Door For Lionel Messi At Paris Olympics

After Argentina secured its place at the Olympic Games by beating Brazil 1-0 in the final four of South America’s qualifying tournament, Under-23 manager Javier Mascherano said the door is open for Lionel Messi to play at Paris 2024 Games.

Asked about the possibility of 36-year-old Messi playing in Paris, his former Argentina and Barcelona team mate Mascherano had a few words to share.

“Well, everyone knows my relationship with Leo, the friendship I have with him,” Mascherano said.

“I have always said that a player like Leo has opened doors and the invitation to accompany us then will obviously depend on him, his compromises and his time, but the invitation will clearly be there.”

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Inter Miami forward Messi, who guided Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, won gold with the national team at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 after beating Nigeria in the final.

The men’s football tournament at the Olympics takes place in July and August 2024. Teams are allowed three overage players in their squads.