Argentina coach Javier Mascherano has invited Lionel Messi to play at Paris 2024 Olympics
The Under-23 boss admits the situation is not easy, with Messi expected to lead Argentina's Copa America defence earlier in the summer.
World Cup winner Lionel Messi has received an invitation to play for Argentina at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The South Americans' Under-23s boss Javier Mascherano, a former team-mate of Messi, has revealed in an interview with TyC Sports that he and the 36-year-old football legend are in talks but admits it is ‘not an easy situation'.
“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.
“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 América ahead this summer. It is not an easy situation.”
Messi now plays his club football in the U.S. and will look to lead Argentina’s defence of the Copa America across June and July.
With the football comptition at the Paris 2024 Games starting on 24 July, the demands of competing in two big tournaments in quick succession at his age is something Messi is needs to consider, according to Mascherano.
"It's Messi. He always plays at the highest level. 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."
It could be Messi's second Olympics participation, after he led Argentina to gold at Beijing 2008.
