Argentina has named Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi in their squad for the Olympic Games in Paris, despite both players taking part in the ongoing Copa America in the United States. The 18-man Olympic squad is being coached by Javier Mascherano, who called up the 36-year-old Otamendi and 32-year-old goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli as overage players. The Manchester City’s Alvarez and Benfica’s Otamendi have already played over 50 games this season for club and country, and are set to join Mascherano’s squad after the Copa America tournament, where Argentina is in the quarterfinals.
World Cup winner and Argentina captain Lionel Messi had already ruled out playing at the Olympics, citing the need to manage his workload. The men’s football tournament at the Olympics begins on July 24, just 10 days after the Copa America final. Argentina is grouped with Morocco, Iraq, and Ukraine in the 16-team Olympic tournament. The Olympic squad for Argentina includes goalkeepers Leandro Brey and Geronimo Rulli, defenders Marco Di Cesare, Julio Soler, Joaquin Garcia, Gonzalo Lujan, Nicolas Otamendi, and Bruno Amione, midfielders Ezequiel Fernandez, Santiago Hezze, Cristian Medina, and Kevin Zenon, and forwards Giuliano Simeone, Luciano Gondou, Thiago Almada, Claudio Echeverri, Julian Alvarez, and Lucas Beltran.
Despite being involved in the Copa America tournament, Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi have been selected for Argentina’s Olympic squad. Coach Javier Mascherano called up Otamendi, Rulli, and Alvarez as overage players for the 18-man squad. Both Alvarez and Otamendi have had a busy season playing over 50 games for their clubs and country. Along with goalkeeper Rulli, the trio is expected to join the Olympic squad after the Copa America tournament, where Argentina is in the quarterfinals. This decision showcases Argentina’s depth and talent in their football squad.
Lionel Messi, the Argentina captain, has decided not to participate in the Olympics to manage his workload effectively. The men’s football tournament at the Olympics will begin shortly after the Copa America final, with Argentina facing teams like Morocco, Iraq, and Ukraine in the group stage. The squad announced for the Olympics includes a mix of experienced players like Otamendi and Rulli, as well as young talents like Alvarez. This selection highlights Argentina’s strategy to combine the experience of veterans with the energy and skills of younger players in their quest for Olympic success.
The decision to include overage players like Otamendi and Rulli in the Olympic squad shows Argentina’s commitment to competing at the highest level in multiple tournaments. Despite the challenges of scheduling and player fatigue, Argentina aims to showcase their talent and depth in both the Copa America and the Olympics. The blend of experienced players with young talents like Alvarez reflects Argentina’s vision for the future of their national team. The Olympic squad announcement provides an exciting opportunity for fans to see a new generation of Argentine footballers in action on the global stage.
The inclusion of Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi in Argentina’s Olympic squad has generated excitement among fans and pundits alike. Both players have been instrumental in their respective clubs and have the experience to make a significant impact at the Olympic Games. With the likes of Messi opting out of the tournament, players like Alvarez and Otamendi have a chance to shine on the international stage and showcase their skills to a global audience. The blend of youth and experience in the squad bodes well for Argentina’s chances of success at the Olympics, as they aim to build on their rich footballing history and add another medal to their collection.
