Mascherano revealed Lionel Messi’s response and the possibility of Dibu Martínez being at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Until a few weeks before the start of Olympic Games from Parison Friday 26 July there will be latent hope Lionel Messi command the National Under 23 team who drives Javier Mascherano. And the illusion has something to sustain itself, beyond the fact that the world champion from Rosario did not send any signals. “I spoke to Leo”the coach confessed to TyC Sports.

It’s worth being realistic: Messi’s chances of being in Paris aren’t many because the MLS will continue its season between July and August. Pulga will already miss some duels with Inter Miami during the Copa América. Remember: Leo has already won the gold medal in Beijing 2008.

“Leo and I agreed to talk more in a bit.. He has just started the season with Inter Miami, the Games are still missing, especially knowing that he also has the Copa América. It’s not an easy situation. We have to see if he really has the energy to be there,” explained Mascherano.

And he added: “It must be understood that Leo is very clear that age is starting to count for him too and that, beyond the fact that he has a superlative level, clearly you have to manage your time. It is not our intention to upset or pressure you. We invited him in advance and give him what he needs, so he can think about it and see the club’s options. It’s not easy for him to be away for a while either.”

The steps, therefore, have been taken: Mascherano not only spoke with Leo, but also announced that he had already invited him to participate. The ball is therefore in the hands of the world champion captain in Qatar. A necessary clarification: Clubs are not obliged to release players for this competition..

But in addition to Messi, the coach referred to Ángel Di María and Emiliano Dibu Martínez. “Ángel appreciated the call, but he has no intention of going to Paris. We excluded him, he wants to make room for the younger players,” confessed Masche.

And he underlined: “How can we ignore Dibu Martínez? We have the advantage of having the world champion team. There are many players who provide the hierarchy. El Dibu is among the best archers in the world. We always take into account his desire, but then we must translate that desire into reality; because it is up to the clubs to decide to tip the scales yes or no. We still have no information from the senior national team coach in this regard. It is not easy to name names, because there is a lack of certainties. “I also like to respect the U-23 guys who qualified and those who were part of the process.”

Federico Redondo and his chat with Messi at Inter Miami

Furthermore, on Tuesday, the young Federico Redondo was presented to Inter Miami, where he will be Messi’s teammate. And on American soil, Fernando’s son was asked if Leo was in France.

“For all of us who participated in the Pre-Olympic it would be a dream for Leo to play, but obviously I didn’t ask him anything”explained Redondo, who shared training with the rosary for the first time. And he added: “I went to say hello to the dressing room and the welcome from him was very warm. I was a bit nervous, but Messi asked me how the trip had gone and everything else. May Messi be in this club had weight in my decision.” He is the best player in history and sharing the field with him is a dream.”