da betsul: Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez have not been named in Argentina's Olympics squad, but Manchester City's Julian Alvarez will be heading to Paris.
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Mascherano reveals Argentina's Olympics squadFour World Cup winners named on the listMessi was left out of the 18-man squadWHAT HAPPENED?
The 37-year-old Messi, who clinched an Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008, has been excused from international duty in Paris to manage his workload amid a busy summer. The 2018 World Cup winner is currently plying his trade in Copa America in the United States where the Albiceleste are defending their crown earned in 2022.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Even without Messi, Mascherano, a two-time Olympic gold medalist himself, has assembled a robust squad for the Paris Olympics. He has called upon goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, Nicolas Otamendi, and Alvarez for the summer games as the overage picks. However, Chelsea have refused to permit Fernandez to travel to France and the midfielder will join Enzo Maresca and Co. back at Stamford Bridge after the Copa America. The men’s football tournament at the Olympics is set to commence on July 24, merely ten days after the Copa America final, placing a significant demand on the players’ fitness and recovery.
ARGENTINA SQUAD FOR PARIS OLYMPICS
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
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Argentina’s preparation for the Olympic Games will see them playing two friendly matches in France ahead of their opener against Morocco on July 24. Placed in Group B, Argentina will face Iraq, Ukraine and Morocco in the group stages of the competition.