Messi to the Olympics? What his former teammate said about him playing

Along with the World Cup, the Olympic Games is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. The Olympic Games, like the World Cup, occur every four years, and the Summer Olympics will happen in Paris, France, this summer. The U-23 Argentina team qualified for the Olympic Men's Football Tournament, and many Argentina fans are asking if Lionel Messi would be open to playing in the tournament. The majority of the squad has to be 23 or younger, but three slots are open for players over that age limit to play. Argentina fans want to see Messi in the Olympics this year, but his summer seems stacked.

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The Argentina senior national team will play the Copa America this summer from June 20th to potentially the final on July 14th. Messi's Inter Miami will be in the Leagues Cup from July 26 to August 25. The Summer Olympics Football tournament is going to run from July 24th to August 10th. Messi has still not decided on taking part in the Summer Olympics but is certain to play in Copa America. His participation in the Leagues Cup will determine if he chooses to play in the Olympics.

The coach of the U-23 Argentina side is Messi's former teammate. Javier Mascherano spoke to Tyc Sports about the potential of Messi joining his team for the Olympics. Mascherano said, "Lionel is aware that age is also catching up with him. Even though he is Messi, he has to manage his workload because he has had a year of heavy activity. We don't want to bother him; we simply extended an invitation for him to join us at the Olympics. We believed it was necessary to extend this invitation so that he has the time to think it over and analyze it because he would have to leave his club."

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Mascherano confirmed that Angel Di Maria will not play in the Olympics

Mascherano was asked about Di Maria potentially playing in the Olympics. Mascherano said, "Ángel (Di María) appreciated the call, but he has no intention of going to Paris. We have ruled him out; he wants to give space to the younger players."