Argentina’s under-23 coach, Javier Mascherano, recently revealed that he has been in talks with Lionel Messi regarding his potential participation in the Paris Olympics this summer. However, Mascherano acknowledges the complexity of the situation due to various factors. Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, is expected to lead Argentina in their defence of the Copa América title before the Olympics. Considering that clubs are not obligated to release players for the Olympics, the decision for Messi to participate becomes challenging.
In an interview with TyC Sports, Mascherano highlighted the timeline of events, stating that Messi has just begun the season with Inter Miami and has commitments to fulfill before the Olympic Games. With Copa América scheduled just before the Olympics, the issue of managing time and energy levels becomes crucial. Mascherano emphasized the need to respect Messi’s decision-making process and not put pressure on him. He emphasized that they provided Messi with all the necessary information to decide and discuss with his club.
The Olympics football tournament is slated to take place from July 24 to August 10, while the Copa América will be held from June 20 to July 10. This tight schedule creates challenges for clubs like Inter Miami, which will also be competing in MLS and the Leagues Cup during the same period. Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, stressed the importance of players choosing between tournaments. The example of Diego Gómez opting for Copa América over the Olympics illustrates the dilemma faced by South American players.
Mascherano raised concerns about Messi’s age and the need to manage his efforts effectively. While recognizing Messi’s exceptional abilities, Mascherano emphasized the importance of considering his physical condition and the strain of participating in multiple tournaments. The decision-making process becomes more critical considering the demands on top players like Messi. The balancing act between international duties and club commitments poses a significant challenge.
Apart from Messi, Mascherano expressed interest in calling up Emiliano Martínez, Aston Villa’s goalkeeper and a key player in Argentina’s World Cup-winning team. However, the final decision lies with the clubs regarding player availability. Mascherano acknowledged the challenges of navigating player desires with club requirements and the uncertainties surrounding player selection. The lack of clarity from clubs adds another layer of complexity to the selection process for the Olympics.
Overall, Argentina faces several challenges as they prepare for the upcoming Olympics. The delicate balance between player commitments, club responsibilities, and international duties requires careful consideration. The decisions made by top players like Lionel Messi and club officials will play a crucial role in determining Argentina’s squad composition for the Paris Olympics.
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