/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/07/03/image-359dfe06-fe0d-491c-b3d6-baa544784387-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, along with three other 2022 World Cup champions, has been selected to represent Argentina at the Olympic Games in Paris. The squad, led by Javier Mascherano, includes Geronimo Rulli from Ajax, Nicolas Otamendi from Benfica, and Atlanta midfielder Thiago Almada.
While the Olympic football tournament is primarily for Under-23 national teams, each team is allowed to bring three overage players to strengthen their squads. Rulli, Otamendi, and Alvarez, aged 32, 36, and 24, respectively, fill Argentina’s three senior spots.
After leading Argentina in the Copa America, Otamendi mentioned that competing in the Olympics would be overwhelming, which is why he passed on the opportunity. The team, led by Mascherano, who won gold medals in 2004 and 2008, is aiming to continue Argentina’s dominance on the world stage in Paris.
In the upcoming tournament, the South American team will face Morocco, Ukraine, and Iraq in Group B as they strive for a third gold medal. The Olympic men’s football competition will take place from July 24 to August 9, with the final being held at the Parc des Princes.
Alvarez will then return to Manchester City to defend their title in the Premier League, with their first match against Chelsea on August 18. The Argentina Olympic men’s football squad includes players from various clubs such as Boca Juniors, Racing Club, and Atletico Madrid.
If you want to catch all the action from the Olympics, make sure to tune in to discovery+, the streaming platform that is the exclusive home for Paris 2024 coverage this summer.