Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez also did not make the cut. However, Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez is included in the squad heading to Paris.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been excused from international duty to manage his workload. At 37, Messi is currently participating in the Copa America in the United States, where Argentina has reached the quarter-finals.

In Messi’s absence, coach Javier Mascherano has selected goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, Nicolas Otamendi, and Julian Alvarez as the overage players for the Olympic squad.

Chelsea has denied permission for Fernandez to travel to France, and he will join his club for preseason training instead.

Lionel Messi previously won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.