Lionel Messi, the football maestro, is set to make a triumphant return to Paris, not as a club player but as part of the Argentine squad eyeing success at the 2024 Olympic Games. Reports suggest that the Inter Miami superstar is eager to don the Albiceleste jersey once again, following their victorious campaign in the Copa America in the United States. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is keen on achieving a historic double, aiming for Olympic gold after securing Argentina’s third global crown in Qatar in December 2022.
However, this ambitious plan hinges on Argentina successfully navigating the upcoming qualifiers, commencing this Saturday. During the March international break, Argentina is scheduled to travel to China, where the team management has made a strategic decision. They plan to include several U-23 and U-20 players in the squad, providing a unique opportunity for these young talents to rub shoulders with veterans like Messi and Angel Di Maria. This move aims to foster chemistry within the team before the Olympic Games, a crucial step in Argentina’s pursuit of further glory.
Additionally, as part of their preparation, the U-23 team is set to engage in two friendlies, with both Messi and Di Maria expected to actively participate. Messi and Di Maria share a rich history in Olympic competition, having been part of Argentina’s 2008 Gold-winning squad in Beijing. Di Maria notably scored the decisive goal in the final against Nigeria, securing the South American nation’s victory.
That memorable team, led by Juan Riquelme, featured football luminaries such as Javier Mascherano, who currently coaches the U-23 side, along with Ever Banega, Sergio Aguero, and Pablo Zabaleta. If Messi successfully guides his team to another gold in the French capital, he would etch his name in history as the only player with two Olympic golds and a World Cup to his illustrious career. The football world eagerly awaits to witness this potential milestone in Messi’s unparalleled journey.
