After Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Brazil that booked their place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Argentine media was quick to speak to coach Javier Mascherano about the options he has over the three players over 23 years of age he can bring to the event.
Faced with such a loaded question, Mascherano did not dodge it and openly spoke on his former international and personal friend, Lionel Messi.
“Everyone already knows my relationship with Leo, the friendship I have. First, we have to qualify… A player like him has the doors open for him to join us. After that, it will depend on him and his commitments, obviously,” were the comments Mascherano made back in October.
Mascherano’s words
A true reflection of the fact that Mascherano has considered the possibility of having the World Cup winning captain in his team. After the agonizing victory against the ‘Canarinha’, Mascherano’s words went in the same direction, and he extended his invitation to another player he would like to coach at the Olympic Games.
“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 the coach, still in a state of excitement after securing one of the two qualification tickets for Paris, with the other qualifier being Paraguay.
Messi’s reaction
Messi was fully aware of what Argentina did in Venezuela and used his social networks to celebrate the qualification. Leo posted on his Instagram stories a “vamooosss” to which he adorned with four cheers and the flag of Argentina.
It should be remembered that both Messi and Di María were already Olympic champions in 2008, when Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 in the final with a goal by the Benfica player. The coincidence is that Javier Mascheano was also a starter in that team.
Copa America 2024
One of the issues when it comes to both Messi and Di Maria being at the Olympics is how close it is to the Copa America 2024 that will be played in the United States.
Should Argentina reach the final, it is scheduled for July 14, while the start of the 2024 Olympic Games in soccer is scheduled for 10 days later in Marseille.
