Lionel Messi receives invite to captain Argentina at 2024 Olympics

Following Argentina's qualification for the Olympic Games at the expense of Brazil, Lionel Messi has been extended an invitation to be part of the team in Paris.

Lionel Messi has received a golden ticket that could see him don the blue and white stripes of Argentina once more at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. This electrifying news has sent waves of excitement across the football world, with Messi's potential return to the Olympic stage being the talk of the town. 

With Argentina having secured their place in the prestigious tournament with a nail-biting 1-0 win over arch-rivals Brazil, the stage is set for a possible fairytale reunion, reminiscent of Messi's gold medal triumph in 2008. 

Thiago Almada, Messi's teammate both at MLS club Atlanta United and potentially in Paris, couldn't hide his excitement at the prospect, dubbing it a "dream come true."

The Dream of Messi's Olympic Encore

"I hope Messi has the desire and can be at the Olympic games, it would be a dream. If Messi comes, I’ll give him the captain’s armband, obviously. Now they are the ones who have to decide if they come," Almada shared, his words dripping with anticipation for what would be a monumental moment in Olympic football. 

With Argentina last tasting Olympic gold back in Beijing with Messi in the squad, the allure of having him return as an overage player under Javier Mascherano's guidance is undeniable. The buzz is real, with Messi's involvement seen as a potential game-changer for La Albiceleste's quest for glory.

Messi's Olympic Hurdle: A Race Against Time

However, Messi's path to the Paris Games is fraught with challenges, most notably his commitment to lead Argentina at the 2024 Copa America in the United States, which concludes just before the Olympics kick off. 

Juggling responsibilities between national pride and club duty with Inter Miami in the MLS, Messi faces a logistical labyrinth. The ultimate decision lies in the hands of Messi and the Argentine football authorities, with fans around the globe holding their breath.

Messi's reaction to Argentina's Olympic qualification was simple yet profound, as he took to Instagram with a rallying "Vamos." The possibility of him joining as one of the three permitted over-23 players adds a layer of intrigue and excitement. 

Coach Mascherano, a close friend of Messi, has left the door wide open for the football maestro, stating, "A player like him has the doors open to accompany us; after that, it depends on him and his commitments, obviously."

The last time Messi played at the Olympics in 2008, he won a gold medal, beating Nigeria 1-0 in the final courtesy of a goal by Angel Di Maria.

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