After eliminating Brazil to qualify for the Paris Olympics this summer, Argentina could welcome Lionel Messi into their U-23 squad as one of the senior players as the team looks to win the Gold Medal at the tournament.
Messi has supported the youngsters online, acknowledging their win over Paraguay on his social media platforms. And it now seems like he could step up to help the team win this year alongside senior national teammate Angel Di Maria.
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“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,” revealed U-23 head coach Javier Mascherano.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona defender was a long-standing teammate of Messi during his time in Catalonia. And it seems like he could coach the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner alongside the next generation of Argentine players.
However, Lionel Messi’s commitments with Inter Miami and the Copa America during the summer could prove to be a roadblock. Moreover, Angel Di Maria has also revealed that his international career is set to end after the Copa America this summer. And as a result, other veterans may have to be considered for the team if Messi and Di Maria can’t make it.
