Paris Olympics: Alvarez, Otamendi Headline Argentina’s Star-Studded Squad

Argentina has included Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi in their squad for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, despite their participation in the ongoing Copa America in the United States. The 18-man Olympic team, led by coach Javier Mascherano, features 36-year-old Otamendi and 32-year-old goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli among the overage players.

Alvarez from Manchester City and Otamendi from Benfica have already logged over 50 matches this season for their club and country. Along with Rulli, who is also part of the Copa America squad, they will join Mascherano’s Olympic team after the tournament, where Argentina has reached the quarter-finals.

Lionel Messi, Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain, has opted out of the Olympics, citing the need to manage his workload. The men’s football tournament at the Olympics is set to begin on July 24, just 10 days after the Copa America final. Argentina is placed in a group with Morocco, Iraq, and Ukraine in the 16-team competition.

ARGENTINA SQUAD FOR OLYMPICS

• Goalkeepers: Leandro Brey, Geronimo Rulli
• Defenders: Marco Di Cesare, Julio Soler, Joaquin Garcia, Gonzalo Lujan, Nicolas Otamendi, Bruno Amione
• Midfielders: Ezequiel Fernandez, Santiago Hezze, Cristian Medina, Kevin Zenon
• Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Luciano Gondou, Thiago Almada, Claudio Echeverri, Julian Alvarez, Lucas Beltran