Mascherano: ‘Argentina is a candidate for the Olympic Games despite Messi’s absence.’

According to coach Javier Mascherano, although they are without forward Lionel Messi and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, Argentina’s Olympic team remains a strong candidate to win the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“Expectations are always very high when Argentina participates in the Olympic Games,” Mascherano said on July 23 on the official FIFA website. “We are happy with the team we have, although there are some drawbacks. The team has had to spend a lot of time preparing and planning to ensure that everything goes as we expect. Now, the only thing we can do is wait for the opening match and do our best.”

The 40-year-old coach admitted that he has faced many difficulties in selecting the team because FIFA does not force clubs to release players for the Olympic Games, but assured that Argentina remains a candidate for the title. “Being the coach of Argentina always carries a special responsibility to do everything in the best possible way to obtain the best results,” he emphasized.

Mascherano had expressed his hope that Messi could participate in Paris 2024, but the 37-year-old star will not be present as he will focus on defending the title with the Argentine team in the Copa América 2024 and is not in optimal physical condition. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and striker Lautaro Martínez were also not authorized by their clubs, Aston Villa and Inter Milan, respectively, to attend the Olympic Games. Enzo Fernández, 23, does not count as a senior player, but Argentina could not convince Chelsea to release him either.

Despite this, the Argentine team remains highly rated, boasting four 2022 world champions, including three older players: 32-year-old goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, 36-year-old defender Nicolás Otamendi and 24-year-old forward Julián Álvarez . The other notable name is the talented 23-year-old Thiago Almada, who plays for Atlanta United in the MLS.

“They are three world champions with a lot of experience, not only at national team level but also in international football,” explained Mascherano, referring to the call-up of the three senior players on each line of the field to strengthen the team. “Rulli and Otamendi have the ability to lead the defense and organize the game, while Álvarez can transmit ambition, desire and energy to the entire team.”

Mascherano has the opportunity to become the first person to win an Olympic soccer gold medal, both as a player and a coach. The former Liverpool and Barcelona player was part of the team that won the gold medals in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, along with Messi and Ángel Di María.

“When I played, I was lucky to get good results in the Olympic Games, and now I have the opportunity to be in the Games again,” the 40-year-old former midfielder said enthusiastically. “But in the Olympic Games, the players are more important than the coaching staff. They are the protagonists, and we are here to support them.”