Messi Excluded from Argentina’s Squad for 2024 Olympics

Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina’s squad for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. This decision is to help manage the workload of the 37-year-old Inter Miami superstar, who is also currently playing in the Copa America in the United States, with Argentina having progressed to the quarter-finals.

Enzo Fernandez, the Chelsea midfielder, has been omitted from the squad as Chelsea did not grant permission for Fernandez to participate, requiring him to join his teammates for preseason training. However, Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez has been included and will head to Paris as one of the key players for the Argentine squad. Coach Javier Mascherano has selected goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, defender Nicolas Otamendi, and forward Julian Alvarez as the overage players for the tournament.

Messi has a notable history with the Olympics, having won a gold medal in Beijing in 2008. His exclusion from the 2024 squad reflects a strategic decision to balance his commitments