Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi will be the captain of Argentina’s football team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Fresh off their Copa America victory earlier this month, La Albiceleste are looking to add another gold medal to their collection.
Seasoned Stars Guide Young Guns
Nicolas Otamendi, a rock at the back for Argentina for years, brings a wealth of experience to the young Olympic squad. Alongside him will be fellow Copa America winners Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada, and Geronimo Rulli, who will provide the U23 players with much-needed leadership.
Messi’s Absence: A Missed Opportunity?
A notable absentee is Lionel Messi. The 37-year-old superstar opted out of the Olympics, citing a busy schedule and lingering injury concerns from the Copa America. Having won gold in 2008, Messi’s presence would have been invaluable but Argentina will have to press on without him.
Mascherano Aims to Repeat History
Former Argentina captain Javier Mascherano now sits on the other side of the pitch as the Olympic team’s head coach. He hopes to emulate the success of the 2004 and 2008 squads and bring home another gold medal.
Learning from Tokyo’s Disappointment
Argentina will be eager to avoid a repeat of their 2020 Olympic campaign, where they exited in the group stages. This time around, the Copa America victory should serve as a springboard for confidence and inspiration.
Gold Medal Ambitions
Argentina boasts a strong Olympic pedigree, sitting joint-second with two gold medals behind Hungary and Great Britain. With momentum from the Copa America and a seasoned core, Mascherano’s men will be aiming for nothing short of gold in Paris.
Argentina Post on X: Nicolas Otamendi will be the captain of the Argentina national team at the Olympic games. He is starting tomorrow against Morocco.
(🌕) Nicolas Otamendi will be the CAPTAIN of Argentina national team at Olympic games. He is starting tomorrow against Morocco. @gastonedul 🚨🇲🇦 #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/aS23q64WXa
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 23, 2024
Another Post on X: Two players from the senior National Team who are confirmed to Olympic Games so far:
- Julián Álvarez
- Nicolas Otamendi
Who will be the third one?
Two players from the senior National Team who are confirmed to Olympic Games so far:
• Julián Álvarez
• Nicolas OtamendiWho will be the third one? 👀 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/uH6W8Lb2Mz
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) May 28, 2024
