The absence of these marquee stars creates a new dynamic in the tournament. Argentina, historically a powerhouse in football, will not feature Messi, who has been a central figure for his country over the years. The 37-year-old who recently clinched the Copa America, and a member of the Argentina squad that clinched Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008, decided to step back from this year’s tournament.

“I spoke with Mascherano, and we immediately agreed on the situation,” he told ESPN. “At my age, I don’t want to play everything and I need to make the right choices.” His decision clears the way for other players to take center stage, with Manchester City's Julian Alvarez’s filling the void.

Spain, on the other hand, will be represented by a squad featuring 17-year-old centre-back Pau Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez. Lopez’s recent experience at Euro 2024 could give Spain a competitive edge. Having won gold in Barcelona 1992 and silver in Tokyo, Spain is driven by a strong desire to capture the gold medal this time around. Their recent triumph at Euro 2024 has provided a significant boost as they aim to translate that success into Olympic glory.

France, another key contender, will showcase new Bayern Munich star Michael Olise in their lineup. Though not as high-profile as Mbappe, who recently joined Real Madrid, Olise’s potential could prove crucial for the French team. The absence of major stars might make for a more unpredictable tournament, offering a platform for new heroes to emerge.

Henry, a French footballing legend, is also dealing with his own set of challenges as he picks his squad. Reflecting on the difficulties of finalising his team, he remarked, “The last time I had so many rejections was when I was at high school,” he joked. Henry’s comment highlights the ongoing struggle to assemble a competitive team in the absence of several key players he had hoped to include.

As the competition kicks off on 24 July 24 and runs until 9 August, the stage is set for an intriguing tournament. While the absence of football’s biggest stars is notable, it opens up the field for emerging talents to rise to prominence. 

The focus will shift to how these new faces perform under the Olympic spotlight and whether they can fill the void left by some of the sport’s greatest names. Argentina and Spain, as the favourites, will be eager to showcase their strengths and make their mark in what promises to be a captivating football event.