Argentina announce 18-man squad for Paris Olympics 2024

Lionel Messi has not been included in the squad for the Paris Olympics

Despite the fact that both players are currently competing in the Copa America in the United States, Argentina have selected Nicolas Otamendi and Julian Alvarez for the Olympic Games in Paris.

Javier Mascherano, the two-time gold medal winner, is coaching the 18-man Olympic team. Some of his senior players are 36-year-old Otamendi and 32-year-old goalie Geronimo Rulli.

Alvarez of Manchester City and Otamendi of Benfica have each appeared in more than 50 matches for their teams this season.

After the competition, when Argentina is in the quarterfinals, the trio—Rulli included in the Copa America squad as well—are expected to join Mascherano’s team.

Messi, who has suffered with injuries this season is currently competing in the Copa América with the goal of defending the continental title the squad won in 2021 alongside Álvarez, Otamendi. Argentina used that triumph as a starting point to win the World Cup in 2022.

Argentina’s captain and World Cup winner, Lionel Messi, had already said he would not be participating in the Olympics, citing the necessity of handling his workload.

The 37-year-old doesn’t need to prove anything at the Olympics as the forward has already won the Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008.

Before facing Morocco in their opening match of the Olympic competition on July 24, Argentina will compete in two friendlies in France. Group B includes Iraq, Ukraine, Argentina, and Morocco.

Just ten days following the Copa America final, on July 24, the men’s football competition at the Olympics gets underway. In the 16-team competition, Argentina are grouped with Morocco, Iraq, and Ukraine.

Argentina squad for Paris Olympics 2024

Goalkeepers: Leandro Brey, Geronimo Rulli

Defenders: Marco Di Cesare, Julio Soler, Joaquin Garcia, Gonzalo Lujan, Nicolas Otamendi, Bruno Amione

Midfielders: Ezequiel Fernandez, Santiago Hezze, Cristian Medina, Kevin Zenon

Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Luciano Gondou, Thiago Almada, Claudio Echeverri, Julian Alvarez, Lucas Beltran

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