Key Highlights

• Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi confirmed for Argentina’s Olympic football team in Paris 2024
• Lionel Messi and Alejandro Garnacho will not participate in the Olympics
• Coach Javier Mascherano aims to replicate past Olympic success
• Pep Guardiola supports Alvarez’s Olympic participation

(NicePlay Sports) – The anticipation for Argentina’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics is palpable, especially with the inclusion of Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi in the squad. Javier Mascherano, the former midfield dynamo who now helms the national team, is steering Argentina towards what could be another golden chapter in their storied football history. With the Copa América overlapping the Olympics, Lionel Messi’s absence is a strategic decision that sidesteps the logistical nightmare of balancing two major tournaments. Messi’s focus remains firmly on leading Inter Miami and Argentina through the Copa América. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho also misses out on the Olympics, with his club reportedly not approached for his release. This squad’s composition, particularly the overage slots filled by Alvarez and Otamendi, reflects Mascherano’s meticulous planning amid club-level reluctance to release key players. Pep Guardiola’s endorsement of Alvarez’s Olympic campaign echoes his past decision to let Messi compete in 2008, a move that paid dividends for both player and country. As the countdown begins for the Paris Games, Argentina’s roster is a blend of youthful vigor and seasoned expertise, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament opener against Morocco.

Argentina’s Olympic Football Roster for Paris 2024

One of the top medal hopes for Argentina at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games will be through the men’s football tournament. The team, led by former Albiceleste and Barcelona star Javier Mascherano, will seek to repeat the gold-medal glory of Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. Mascherano was part of both of those winning sides, while Lionel Messi tasted glory in 2008. There had been speculation that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would be part of the group for Paris, but given he is playing at the Copa América finals and is midway through his club season with Inter Miami, it comes as little surprise that Messi will not be at the Olympics this time. Below is the squad selected by Mascherano for the football tournament, which begins in late July. Argentina football roster for Paris Olympic Games 2024 Argentina’s squad for the Paris Olympic Games comprises 18 players. Of these, 15 are in the Under-23 age category, while three senior players — with no upper age limit — are permitted. In addition, four reserve players are named, who will be on standby in case of an injury to a squad member. Below is the roster selected by coach Javier Mascherano following a handful of withdrawals due to clubs’ refusal to send their players (Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea, Lucas Esquivel of Athletico Paranaense, Porto’s Alan Varela, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, and Valentin Barco of Brighton & Hove Albion were all denied call-ups).

*Denotes over-age players The four reserve players:

Veteran Leadership and Youthful Dynamism

Argentina called up three overage players for their squad for the Paris Olympics. Selecting these senior stars posed a problem given that the tournament is held close to the end of the Copa América and at a time when club teams are getting preseason preparations underway. After learning of their respective clubs’ willingness to release them for the tournament, Mascherano decided on Geronimo Rulli (Ajax), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), and Julian Alvarez (Manchester City) as his three overage players. Along with Botafogo’s Thiago Almada, these are the members of Mascherano’s playing squad who were also part of the World Cup-winning roster in 2022. There was speculation for some time about the possibility of Messi being at the Olympic Games, but that prospect was quickly ruled out. Angel Di Maria also turned down a possible call-up, while Emiliano Martinez had hoped to be involved but was not given permission by Aston Villa. Alejandro Garnacho was another tipped to be part of the Olympics roster, and it was reported in Argentina last month that Manchester United had blocked his call-up to Mascherano’s squad. However, according to the Manchester Evening News, United were never asked by Argentina to release the winger for the Paris Games.

Guardiola’s Endorsement and Alvarez’s Olympic Ambitions

Julian Alvarez will feature at the Olympics after Pep Guardiola, who previously allowed Lionel Messi to head to the games, is happy for the Manchester City star to compete. Pep Guardiola has green-lighted Julian Alvarez’s involvement in the Olympics with the Manchester City star set to spearhead Argentina’s hopes. The World Cup winner will attempt to add a gold medal to his glittering CV and is one of the more recognizable names in Javier Mascherano’s squad. Argentina has enjoyed previous success at the games, winning it in 2004 and 2008, and is plotting more success. Several clubs have been against their players going to the games in Paris as it reduces their summer recovery time and also means they arrive back late for the season. The likes of William Saliba have been denied the chance by Arsenal, but the City boss hasn’t followed suit. His first major decision as manager back in 2008 was to allow Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi to head to the Olympics in China despite the Catalans having a Champions League qualifier at the same time. Messi was still allowed to go, won gold, and has forever been indebted to Guardiola for the opportunity. He said previously: “When Pep arrived, we had just started training and there was some buzz about whether I would go to the Olympics or stay. We had to qualify for the Champions League no matter what. I looked unhappy during training because I wanted to go to the Olympics, and he noticed. He’s very smart, nothing escapes him. He got to know me quickly, I’m transparent. He said to me, ‘Don’t worry, we will qualify for the Champions League. Go, win the Games, and come back; it’s going to be a long year and we’ll enjoy it’.” Now Alvarez will look to follow suit as City begins domestic preparations without him. He will be joined in the squad by midfielder Claudio Echeverri, recently signed by City from River Plate. Nicolas Otamendi, another player to previously ply his trade at the Etihad, will also be part of their Olympic team.

Match Schedule and Group Stage Preview

Argentina will play two friendlies in France before their Olympic tournament opener against Morocco on July 24. The world champions and Morocco are in Group B along with Iraq and Ukraine. Domestically Guardiola is seeking an incredible fifth successive Premier League title. The Manchester outfit has dominated in recent years and, in the absence of Alvarez, will rely on Erling Haaland to lead the line as he usually would at the Etihad. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. When does the Olympics football tournament start? The football tournament at the 2024 Olympics begins on July 24 and concludes on August 10. Argentina’s Olympic Games football schedule, group Argentina was drawn into Group B for the men’s football tournament at the Paris Games. They will face Morocco, Iraq, and Ukraine in that pool. Times below are listed in local Paris time, CEST. For ET (US/Canada) -6hrs, for BST (UK) -1hrs, for IST (India) +3:30 hrs, for AEST (Australia) +8hrs.