Argentina Olympics squad: No Lionel Messi & Chelsea get their way with Enzo Fernandez but Manchester City's Julian Alvarez makes Javier Mascherano's final list for Paris 2024

The 37-year-old Messi, who clinched an Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008, has been excused from international duty in Paris to manage his workload amid a busy summer. The 2018 World Cup winner is currently plying his trade in Copa America in the United States where the Albiceleste are defending their crown earned in 2022.

Even without Messi, Mascherano, a two-time Olympic gold medalist himself, has assembled a robust squad for the Paris Olympics. He has called upon goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, Nicolas Otamendi, and Alvarez for the summer games as the overage picks. However, Chelsea have refused to permit Fernandez to travel to France and the midfielder will join Enzo Maresca and Co. back at Stamford Bridge after the Copa America. The men’s football tournament at the Olympics is set to commence on July 24, merely ten days after the Copa America final, placing a significant demand on the players’ fitness and recovery.

Goalkeepers: Leandro Brey, Geronimo Rulli

Defenders: Marco Di Cesare, Julio Soler, Joaquin Garcia, Gonzalo Lujan, Nicolas Otamendi, Bruno Amione

Midfielders: Ezequiel Fernandez, Santiago Hezze, Cristian Medina, Kevin Zenon

Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Luciano Gondou, Thiago Almada, Claudio Echeverri, Julian Alvarez, Lucas Beltran

Argentina’s preparation for the Olympic Games will see them playing two friendly matches in France ahead of their opener against Morocco on July 24. Placed in Group B, Argentina will face Iraq, Ukraine and Morocco in the group stages of the competition.