Messi Absent as Mascherano Builds Argentina's Olympic Squad

Lionel Messi will not be part of Argentina's squad for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. Coach Javier Mascherano has included four World Cup winners, including Julián Álvarez and Nicolás Otamendi. Messi, who has been battling injuries, is currently competing in the Copa America. The Olympic team will include older players such as Gerónimo Rulli after competing in Copa America.

Lionel Messi will not be part of Argentina's squad for the upcoming Olympics set to begin later this month in Paris.

Javier Mascherano, the team coach and two-time Olympic gold medalist, unveiled the squad on Tuesday, highlighting four World Cup winners including Julián Álvarez and Nicolás Otamendi. The 37-year-old Messi, currently engaged in the Copa America, has faced injury struggles this year but remains focused on defending the continental title he secured in 2021. This victory was instrumental in propelling Argentina to lift the World Cup in 2022.

Messi previously clinched the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, marking his only Olympic appearance. The men's Olympic soccer tournament primarily features under-23 teams, with each squad allowed to include three older players.

Mascherano plans to incorporate goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, Nicolás Otamendi, and Julián Álvarez into the squad post-Copa America. Additionally, midfielder Claudio Echeverri, recently signed by Manchester City from River Plate, will join the team.

In preparation for the tournament, Argentina will play two friendly matches in France before facing Morocco in their opening match on July 24. Argentina is situated in Group B alongside Morocco, Iraq, and Ukraine.

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