Julian Alvarez will feature at the Olympics after Pep Guardiola, who previously allowed Lionel Messi to head to the games, happy for the Manchester City star to compete

Pep Guardiola has green lighted Julian Alvarez's involvement in the Olympics with the Manchester City star set to spearhead Argentina's hopes.

The World Cup winner will attempt to add a gold medal to his glittering CV and is one of the more recognisable names in Javier Mascherano's squad. Argentina have enjoyed previous success at the games, winning it in 2004 and 2008, and are plotting more success.

Several clubs have been against their players going to the games in Paris as it reduces their summer recovery time and also means they arrive back late for the season. The likes of William Saliba have been denied the chance by Arsenal, but the City boss hasn't followed suit.

His first major decision as manager back in 2008 was to allow Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi to head to the Olympics in China despite the Catalans having a Champions League qualifier at the same time. Messi was still allowed to go, won gold and has forever been indebted to Guardiola for the opportunity.

"He got to know me quickly, I'm transparent. He said to me, 'Don't worry, we will qualify for the Champions League. Go, win the Games, and come back; it's going to be a long year and we'll enjoy it'."

Now Alvarez will look to follow suit as City begin domestic preparations without him. He will be joined in the squad by midfielder Claudio Echeverri, a recently signed for City from River Plate. Nicolas Otamendi, another player to previously ply his trade at the Etihad, will also be part of their Olympic team.

Pep Guardiola was happy to let Lione Messi head to the Olympics ( Image:

Domestically Guardiola is seeking an incredible fifth successive Premier League title. The Manchester outfit have dominated in recent years and, in the absence of Alvarez, will rely on Erling Haaland to lead the line as he usually would at the Etihad.