Former Argentina midfielder and current coach of the Under-23 team Javier Mascherano has stated that eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is welcome to play for his country at Paris Olympics 2024. Mascherano said Messi has the invitation to represent Argentina in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Messi already has an Olympic gold to his name, winning the medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Messi is currently plying trade in the Major League Soccer as the captain of Inter Miami in the United States. His heroics in Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup victory earned him the FIFA Best award and his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or.
Argentina have already booked their place in Paris Olympics 2024. Messi had kept an eye on the team, and posted a story on Instagram after Argentina attained a victory over Paraguay.
Mascherano was asked about Messi and Angel Di Maria’s availability for Argentina in Paris. “I have the obligation to invite Messi and Di Maria. With Leo and Angel we have a spectacular relationship, we are friends. But we understand that they have other commitments and it will depend on that, it’s not so simple. In any case, there is time to talk to them. Now we have to enjoy ourselves,” stated Mascherano.