Paris Olympic Games 2024: Julian Alvarez one of four World Cup winners selected for Argentina – but no Lionel Messi – Eurosport

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez is one of four 2022 World Cup winners who will be part of Argentina’s squad at the Olympic Games in Paris.

The City star was named in Javier Mascherano’s 18-man selection along with fellow world champions Geronimo Rulli of Ajax, Nicolas Otamendi of Benfica and Atlanta midfielder Thiago Almada.

The Olympic football tournament is for Under-23 national teams, but each is permitted to bring three overage players to bolster their squads.  

Rulli (32), Otamendi (36) and Alvarez (24) take up Argentina’s three allotted senior spots.

The 36-year-old said in June that it would be “too much” for him to compete at the Olympics directly after leading Argentina’s attempt to defend their Copa America title.

Messi’s side won all three group games to top their section and will face Ecuador in the quarter-finals on Thursday in Houston, Texas.

Mascherano, a former gold medallist himself as a player in 2004 and 2008, will be aiming to inspire further world dominance for Argentina in Paris.

The South Americans face Morocco, Ukraine and Iraq in Group B as they begin their bid for a third gold.

The Olympic men’s football tournament runs from July 24 to August 9, with the final being staged at the Parc des Princes.

The Premier League season kicks off on August 16, and Alvarez’s City begin their title defence away to Chelsea on August 18.

Goalkeepers: Leandro Brey (Boca Juniors), Geronimo Rulli (Ajax)

Defenders: Marco Di Cesare (Racing Club), Julio Soler (Lanus), Joaquin Garcia (Velez Sarsfield), Gonzalo Lujan (San Lorenzo), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Bruno Amione (Santos Laguna)

Midfielders: Ezequiel Fernandez (Boca Juniors), Santiago Hezze (Olympiacos), Cristian Medina (Boca Juniors), Kevin Zenon (Boca Juniors)

Forwards: Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Luciano Gondou (Argentinos Juniors), Thiago Almada (Atlanta United), Claudio Echeverri (River Plate), Julian Alvarez (Manchester City), Lucas Beltran (Fiorentina)

Alternatives: Aaron Quiros (Club Atletico Banfield), Federico Redondo (Inter Miami), Fabricio Iacovich (Estudiantes de La Plata), Juan Nardoni (Racing Club de Avellaneda)