Mascherano said an invitation to participate had been sent to Messi
Argentina boss Javier Mascherano revealed that former teammate Lionel Messi has been sent an invitation to join the national team at the Summer Olympics in Paris, but admitted that the situation is complicated.
During a recent interview, Mascherano, who played alongside Messi on the national squad and in Barcelona, revealed that he’s had talks with the Inter Miami star about his participation in the Summer Games.
Lionel Messi, #10 of Inter Miami CF, celebrates after scoring a goal during the second half against the Orlando City SC at Chase Stadium on March 2, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
"I spoke with Leo, and we have sent him an invitation to join us at the Games, and we will keep on talking," Mascherano told TyC Sports, via Olympics.com.
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"He has just started the season with Inter Miami, and we still have some time until the Olympic Games. We have to consider he also has the Copa America ahead this summer. It is not an easy situation."
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after winning a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on November 21, 2023, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Wagner Meier/Getty Images)
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Argentina, the defending champions, will be competing in the tournament, which will run from June 20 to July 10 – just two weeks before the Olympics begin. Messi will also be playing in MLS and possibly for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup during that time.
"It's Messi. He always plays at the highest level," Mascherano continued. "And of course, he has to manage his time. For that reason, it is not our intention to bother him or pressure him. We've sent him an invitation, and we will give him all the time he needs to think about all his options and to talk with his club as well."
Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on from the bench during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on November 21, 2023, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Messi, 36, has competed in just one Olympics, where he won gold at the 2008 Games in Beijing.
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Paulina Dedaj is a Sports Reporter for Fox News Digital.
