Argentina name men’s football squad for Paris Olympics: no Fernandez, Martinez

Argentina have named their 18-player men’s football squad for the 2024 Olympics, alongside four replacement players.

Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez is the only Premier League player included in Javier Mascherano’s squad, with his club team-mate Claudio Echeverri, currently on loan at River Plate, also included.

A series of England-based players, including Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who had been linked with tournament involvement, will not feature.

Experienced defender Nicolas Otamendi, formerly of City, is also included with other eye-catching names including Ajax goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada and Fiorentina forward Lucas Beltran.

Atletico Madrid’s Giuliano Simeone — son of the club’s head coach Diego Simeone — is also included, alongside Olympiacos midfielder Santiago Hezze.

Mascherano’s side begin their Olympics campaign against Mexico on July 24 before playing Iraq three days later and concluding their group stage campaign against Ukraine on July 30.

Argentina’s Olympics squad

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)

Back-ups: Aaron Quiros (Banfield), Federico Redondo (Inter Miami), Fabricio Iacovich (Estudiantes), Juan Nardoni (Racing Club)

(Buda Mendes – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)