Buenos Aires: Argentina's Olympic soccer squad for the upcoming Paris Olympics has been finalised by coach Javier Mascherano, omitting Lionel Messi due to his current commitment at the Copa America and recent injury concerns. Mascherano, a former Olympic gold medalist himself, has assembled a squad comprising four World Cup winners, with striker Julián Álvarez and defender Nicolás Otamendi among them.

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The Olympic men's soccer tournament allows each squad to include up to three over-age players alongside the under-23 contingent. Mascherano has opted to include goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, Otamendi, and Álvarez in this capacity once their duties in the Copa America conclude. Additionally, Manchester City's recent acquisition, midfielder Claudio Echeverri from River Plate, will join the team.

Argentina's preparation for the Olympics includes two friendly matches scheduled in France ahead of their tournament opener against Morocco on July 24. The squad finds itself in Group B alongside Iraq and Ukraine, promising a competitive start to their campaign.

The absence of Messi, who secured Olympic gold in Beijing 2008, marks a strategic decision to focus on defending their Copa America title, a triumph that propelled Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022. Despite Messi's legendary status and pivotal role in recent successes, Mascherano has chosen to prioritise squad continuity and youth development for the Olympic challenge. AP

With a blend of experienced champions and emerging talents, Argentina aims to replicate past Olympic glory under Mascherano's guidance, drawing on his own illustrious career as a player to inspire the next generation of Argentine footballers on the global stage. AP