While Lionel Messi hoped to compete in the Paris Olympic Games, the presence of the selection coached by Javier Mascherano is compromised.
The Paris Olympic Games will be contested without several big names. In Europe, if France, automatically qualified, and Spain, will be there, Germany, Italy or Portugal have remained behind, Ukraine and Israel having created a surprise. And the logic was also shaken up in South America since Paraguay was the first nation to win one of the two tickets reserved for Conmebal.
After dominating Endrick’s Brazil (1-0), Paraguay obtained a draw against Argentina (3-3) and is already assured of its qualification even before its last match against Venezuela. The last ticket will therefore be played between Brazil and Argentina during a final meeting on Sunday, which smells like gunpowder.
Messi rather at the Copa America?
And the Argentines, who had already conceded an opening draw against Venezuela (2-2) and equalized in added time against Paraguay on Thursday, are in an unfortunate position: they will have to win against Brazil when a none could be enough for their rivals. At least if Venezuela does not create the feat by dominating Paraguay by more than two goals.
The presence of Argentina in Paris is therefore very uncertain, which sounds like very bad news for Lionel Messi, who is expected to play in the Olympic tournament. “The doors of selection are open to Leo to do what he wants, that’s the reality,” had also recently confided on this subject Javier Mascherano, coach of the Argentina youth team and incidentally a great friend of the former Parisian.
“If we qualify and he wants to come, he will be welcome. He and I have a great friendship and I would love him to be there.”, he added. The two men’s plan could be shattered this Sunday and Lionel Messi will have to settle for the Copa America, which takes place at the start of the summer.
