Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has hinted that he wants to join Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria in the Argentine Olympic team in Paris this summer.

Argentina U23 national team coach Javier Mascherano has made it clear that there will be an open invitation for Messi and Di Maria to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris in the summer. Recent developments suggest the duo could be joined by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who remains desperate to win an Olympic gold medal – an honor missing from his illustrious trophy cabinet with Argentina that includes a World Cup , Intercontinental Super Cup and Copa America.

Speaking to  DirecTV Sports , Martinez said: “If I’m missing something with the national team, it’s winning the Olympic Games.”

However, Martinez assured that he will stand aside if Argentina wins the Copa America, leaving his place to emerging talents.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper added: “Young players always need opportunities, and if we do well in Copa America and win the championship, we should give young players opportunities.”

While Messi has yet to announce his decision, Di Maria announced his intention to end his international career at the Copa America at the beginning of the summer of the same year. South America’s top tournament will end just 10 days before the Olympics in Paris, which could pose a challenge to Messi’s fitness if he agrees to attend.

Martinez’s desire to join Messi in the Olympic team reflects the common ambition of Argentine players to compete at the highest level and pursue success in the international arena. There have been cases of players who have competed in consecutive tournaments before such as Barcelona’s Pedri, who attended the Euros and the Olympics in 2021 – but a 35-year-old Messi will be physically demanding to compete with young stars.