Emi Martinez & Lionel Messi to play at the Paris Olympics? Argentina goalkeeper hints ‘a lot of guys want to go’ as he insists ‘national team comes before clubs’

There were reports earlier this year suggesting that Lionel Messi wants to represent Argentina at the Olympic games in Paris for the first time since 2008 when the Inter Miami star starred in his country's Gold medal win.

Now Aston Villa and La Albiceleste goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has also expressed his desire to play under Javier Mascherano in Paris and hinted that several other Argentina senior players are keen on participating in the competition including Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi.

Speaking to Ole, the former Arsenal custodian said, "I didn't have the chance to speak to him (Mascherano). But obviously, being the goalkeeper of the national team and playing in an Olympic Games for the country, the dream is there. I'm not thinking beyond that, because I still have a Copa America ahead of me, I'm playing with the club to get into the Champions League and playing in the quarter-finals of a European competition.

"But, as many players have said, if Javier is available and wants us, we are available. Obviously, the national team comes before the clubs and, if the clubs let us, we always have the power to say that the national team is always ahead. And for us, it is a source of pride. Cuti and Ota want to go. I want to go. There are a lot of guys who want to go."

The 31-year-old for now, remains focused on his club and will be next seen in action for Unai Emery's side on Wednesday as they face reigning champions Manchester City in a Premier League clash.