2024 Paris Olympics: Mascherano Wants Messi and Di Maria to Play for Argentina in Summer Games

• Javier Mascherano brought up the possibility of Argentine stars Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria playing at the 2024 Paris Olympics
• They have played for Argentina at the Olympics before, leading the South American side to the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games
• Messi and Di Maria have lots of international experience, leading Argentina to the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup titles

Don’t rule out Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria playing for Argentina at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Javier Mascherano wants the two World Cup heroes to beef up his squad for next year’s Summer Games. He is the current coach of Argentina’s under-20 side.

Messi and Di Maria to the Olympics?

He talked about the possibility of his former teammates joining Argentina’s Olympic campaign in the French capital next year in an interview with TyC Sports, saying:

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"Clearly, it would be a source of great pride for us to be able to have two world champions and these types of players. There are players who deserve to decide certain things. And clearly, Leo and Angel are part of that."

Mascherano is eager to have the World Cup winners on board for the Olympics, given their experience on the international stage, per Goal.com.

Apart from winning the World Cup in Qatar last year, they also lifted the Copa America title in 2021.

Messi and Di Maria were also part of Argentina’s gold-medal-winning side at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Messi and Di Maria's packed schedule

One thing that might prevent the duo from participating in the Olympics is their packed schedule.

Messi plays his club football for Inter Miami in the United States, joining them as a free agent last July.

He has had an amazing start to his career with the Herons, leading them to the Leagues Cup title and a spot in the US Open Cup final last month.

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On the other hand, Di Maria has just returned to Portugal to play once again for Benfica.

Apart from their busy league schedules with their respective clubs, Messi and Di Maria will probably represent Argentina in the Copa America next year.

That tournament will kick off on June 20 and finish on July 14. The Olympics will take place from July 24 to August 11, per NBC Sports.

The short turnaround between the two competitions may be too much for the two veteran stars.

That being said, adding another Olympic gold to their growing list of accomplishments will undoubtedly appeal to Messi and Di Maria.

Messi buys huge Florida mansion

Sports Brief recently reported on Messi acquiring a $10.75 million mansion in Fort Lauderdale.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's new home is massive with 10 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms.

Messi's new estate in Florida also has a pool and two docks, befitting the 2022 World Cup hero.