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

Center-back: Ezequiel Garay (Retired)

Ezequiel Garay turning out for Valencia

Known for his time at Valencia, Ezequiel Garay was a mainstay in Sergio Batista's Argentina squad at the Beijing Olympics. He registered just under 500 minutes into the competition. The no-nonsense defender played every single minute of the five games he started and pitched in with an assist against Brazil in the Olympics semi-finals.

Argentine defender Ezequiel Garay has announced his retirement. 🤔The 34-year-old footballer announced that she had to retire early due to low back pain that did not improve despite all treatments. 🤕#Argentina #ValenciaCF #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/53jQTh99ZX

— Noxwin (@noxwin12) July 17, 2021

Having had a brief stint at Real Madrid, Garay was instrumental in helping compatriot Lionel Messi win a rare accolade with Argentina. The Olympics gold-winner was last seen defending a crest back at Mestalla with Valencia, only leaving the club in 2020 due to a long-term injury. With no professional appearances in the past year, Garay announced his retirement from football in July 2021, aged 34.

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Left-back: Luciano Fabián Monzón (Without Club)

Luciano in action for Argentina's jersey on Day 5 of the Olympics

A quintessential journeyman, Luciano Monzon has represented as many as eight clubs in his 13-year long professional career. The Argentinian was last contracted to Atlético Tucumán, a mid-table club in the Primera Division of his native country.

Following a quite apparent display of his skills at the 2008 Olympics in Argentina's favor, Monzon was snapped up by Real Betis. He was taken on a season-long loan with a €9m purchase clause, which the Andalusian side chose not to activate. After a string of transfers, ranging from France to Chile, the 34-year-old left-back is currently unemployed.

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Defensive Midfielder: Fernando Gago (Retired)

Fernando Gago received his first managerial role in Argentina's Primera Division

Fernando Gago was your typical holding midfielder, dictating the build-up play all the while effectively breaking down the opposition's advancements. Gago was drafted into the Argentina team as a 21-year-old and proved to be an astute inclusion for Batista's side. He played every game at that year's Olympics and establishing himself as a reliable comrade of Lionel Messi.

🎙 Fernando Gago:“For me he [Ronaldo] is not number one. For me, the best in the world is Messi because of the way he plays, moves with the ball and changes matches. Messi has incredible ability and I love the way that he plays.” pic.twitter.com/4jqYpB8r2Q

— 🇦🇷MessiVsRonaldo🇵🇹 (@footballgoats_) July 25, 2021

Gago spent his prime years with Real Madrid, winning four titles with Los Blancos. This was followed by an abrupt homecoming to Argentina with Vélez Sársfield, owing to his numerous injury issues. After retiring in 2020, the 35-year-old recently stepped into the management alley, signing a contract with Aldosivi.

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Defensive Midfielder: Javier Mascherano (Retired)

Javier Mascherano represented Barcelona in 334 games

The ultimate utility man, Javier Mascherano was Lionel Messi's trusted aide at both club as well as international level. Along with the aforementioned Gago, Mascherano was part of a formidable double-pivot midfield. The duo solidified Argentina's base to an immeasurable extent at the 2008 Olympics.

The 147-capped defensive stalwart had the highest number of appearances for Argentina until recently, before Messi took the crown for himself. Mascherano enjoyed an illustrious eight-year stay at Barcelona, only leaving the side in 2018. He hung up his boots two years later.