Argentina XI that won the gold at Beijing Olympics: Where are Lionel Messi's teammates from 2008 now?  

Right-wing: Lionel Messi (Without Club)

Lionel Messi during Barcelona's 2019-20 preseason

Acting as Argentina's talisman ever since earning the first cap of his career, Lionel Messi was just 21 at the time of the Beijing Olympics. Nevertheless, the current Argentina captain was arguably the most influential player in the tournament. With a contract extension with Barcelona imminent, Messi is technically a free agent as of now, for the first time in his distinguished career.

(🌕) Barcelona have time until the end of the transfer window (August 31st) to submit Messi's new deal and their new signings to La Liga, but internally they want everything resolved before the 15th, the day they start their league season. @moillorens @samuelmarsden #FCB ⏳

— Reshad Rahman (@ReshadRahman_) July 23, 2021

The 34-year-old 'GOAT' has progressed onto enjoy an inconceivable 17 years at the top, winning almost every team and individual award under the sun. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently on course to add a seventh title to his name after a sensational 2020-21 season. The campaign saw Messi win the man-of-the-match award in 51% of his club games.

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Central-midfield: Juan Román Riquelme (Retired)

Juan Roman Riquelme was Argentina's captain at the Beijing Olympics

Drafted as one of the three over-age players, Juan Román Riquelme was entrusted with the responsibility to lead Argentina's title defense at the 2008 Olympics. 30 at the time of the tournament, Riquelme was enjoying a successful second stint with boyhood club Boca Juniors in Argentina's Primera Division.

Riquelme was considered to be one of the best playmakers in the footballing world during his prime. He was poised to succeed at Barcelona when his transfer to the Catalan giants was sanctioned in 2002.

However, due to some personal reasons and differences with the manager, Louis Van Gaal, his dream move was cut short after a single year. The enigmatic midfielder retired in 2015 with 10 major trophies to his name.

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Left-wing: Ángel Di María (Paris Saint-Germain)

Angel di Maria won Argentina their first major title in 28 years after scoring in the Copa America 2021 final

Ángel Di María created history by netting the only goal of the Copa America 2021 final. The goal handed his captain, Lionel Messi, his first major title with Argentina. In a fairy tale twist, di María was also the difference between the Albiceleste and gold at the Beijing Olympics, chipping the Nigerian shot-stopper to seal the deal. Poetically, the assist was provided by none other than Lionel Messi himself.

Argentina play Egypt at 08:30 and a loss will send them home early from the Tokyo Olympics! 😮Throwback to happier times when Angel Di Maria sealed the gold in 2008! 🥇🇦🇷pic.twitter.com/IJ2njV0LNl

— Bet9ja (@Bet9jaOfficial) July 25, 2021

Following the Olympics, the talented winger secured a move to Real Madrid in 2010. His time with Los Blancos was glittered with silverware as he won six trophies in four years, including the Champions League. A torrid solitary season with Manchester United followed, after which di Maria joined PSG.

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Striker: Sergio Agüero (FC Barcelona)

Sergio Aguero during his Barcelona presentation

One of Lionel Messi's best on-field as well as off-field mates, Sergio Agüero recently joined Barcelona, having secured legendary status at Manchester City. The prolific striker was an integral part of the fabled 2008 Argentina team at the Olympics, scoring twice and assisting once, en route to the gold medal.

Agüero's illustrious career has seen him become the fourth-best goalscorer in Premier League history, scoring a monstrous 184 goals in 275 appearances. The 33-year-old forward arrives in Catalonia with hopes of winning the one title that has eluded him: the Champions League. He will hope to secure the UCL alongside his best friend Messi.