Is Lionel Messi going to the Olympics? Javier Mascherano offers update and reveals Angel Di Maria has turned down Argentina approach

Messi could be in for a busy summer, with the Olympics taking place between July 24-August 10, the Copa America running from June 20-July 14, and Inter Miami potentially in Leagues Cup action between July 26-August 25. Ahead of this busy schedule, former Barcelona team-mate Mascherano has put the feelers out to the 36-year-old.

He told Tyc Sports: "Lionel is aware that age is also catching up with him. Even though he is Messi, he has to manage his workload because he has had a year of heavy activity. We don't want to bother him; we simply extended an invitation for him to join us at the Olympics. We believed it was necessary to extend this invitation so that he has the time to think it over and analyze it because he would have to leave his club."

Mascherano also revealed that Emiliano Martinez was also in consideration but that one players has already ruled himself out: "How could we not consider Dibu Martínez? We have the advantage of having the World Cup-winning team. There are many players who bring quality. Dibu is among the best goalkeepers in the world.

"Ángel (Di María) appreciated the call, but he has no intention of going to Paris. We have ruled him out; he wants to give space to the younger players."

Messi is turning 37 this summer so managing his schedule to prolong his career is key. The World Cup winner has already won a gold medal for his country at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Argentina will be looking to defend the Copa America title they won back in 2021. Inter Miami will also be keen to ensure the veteran doesn't play too much football so an interesting summer lies ahead.

Messi has a busy schedule before heading off on international duty later this month, with Miami facing Nashville twice, Montreal, and D.C. United before Argentina take on El Salvador and Costa Rica on March 23 and 27 respectively.