A Return to Olympic Glory:
Less than a year has passed since Lionel Messi reached the pinnacle of his international career by winning the 2022 World Cup. Now, the Argentine superstar has set his sights on a new goal: representing Argentina at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. It’s worth noting that the 2008 Olympics hold a sweet memory for Messi when he and his U23 Argentine teammates stood atop the podium.
Messi paved his path to glory with a gold medal in Beijing, and now he stands at the precipice of earning another Olympic gold in the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. This would mark a momentous achievement for Messi, further cementing his legacy as a footballing icon who has claimed the Ballon d’Or seven times.
Javier Mascherano, the coach of the Argentine U20 national team, has expressed his desire to summon both Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria for the Olympic 2024 squad, provided they clear the qualifying rounds.
In an interview with TyC Sports, Mascherano opened the door for Messi and Di Maria to participate in the 2024 Olympics, saying, “It would certainly be a source of pride for us to have two world champions and players of their caliber. Some players deserve certain decisions, and clearly, Messi and Di Maria are such players.”
Furthermore, Mascherano affirmed that if the conditions are met for their participation in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, he would willingly hand over the opportunity to lead the U23 Argentine team to Lionel Scaloni, stating, “If Scaloni wishes to become the coach of the Olympic team, I have no objections and am ready to transfer it to him,” showcasing his unwavering support for the Olympic endeavor.
The potential inclusion of Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria in the 2024 Olympic squad has generated immense excitement among football enthusiasts worldwide.
If these two icons grace the Olympic stage once more, it would not only be a testament to their enduring excellence but also a chance for Argentina to capture Olympic glory once again. The journey to Paris promises to be a remarkable chapter in Messi’s illustrious career, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
