Defending champions Brazil failed to qualify for the men’s Olympic football tournament as a 1-0 loss to Argentina put their rivals through to Paris 2024.

It is the first time since 2004 that Brazil – who were aiming for a third successive gold – will not feature.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has been extended an invitation to be part of the Argentine team in Paris.

Messi received a golden ticket that could see him represent Argentina, with the news sending waves of excitement across the football world.

However, Messi’s path to the Paris Games is fraught with challenges, most notably his commitment to lead Argentina at the 2024 Copa America in the United States, which concludes just before the Olympics kick off.