Almada, the midfielder for Atlanta United, shares the field with MLS superstar Messi from Inter Miami. He took on the captain’s responsibilities for the Albiceleste, leading them to secure a spot in the Paris Games with a 1-0 triumph over their arch-гιᴠals Brazil.

Argentina hasn’t secured a gold medal since 2008, a time when Messi was part of their squad in Beijing. There’s a possibility that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner may choose to play as an overage player in Javier Mascherano’s team, although fellow World Cup winner Angel Di Maria won’t be accompanying him.

Almada hopes ex-Paris Saint-Germain star Messi can be talked into a return to the French capital, telling Dsports of securing tickets to another showpiece event: “I am very happy for the group and the coaching staff, they deserve it. We showed that we were better throughout the tournament, always surpassing our opponent. We have time to train and to continue to improve for the Olympic games. I hope Messi has the desire and can be at the Olympic games, it would be a dream. If Messi comes, I’ll give him the captain’s armband, obviously. Now they are the ones who have to decide if they come.”

Messi faces a challenge as he is already scheduled to play for his country in the 2024 Copa America, set to occur in the United States from June 20 to July 14. The Olympics kιϲk off just a couple of weeks later, resulting in a tight schedule for the seasoned all-time great. Additionally, he would need to take a break from his domestic commitments with Inter Miami in MLS.