Brazil superstar Marta is set to retire from international play after the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
One of the most legendary players in women's soccer history, the 38-year-old was at risk of an ignominious end to her career after being sent off against Spain in the final group-stage match. The red card left her suspended for two games, forced to look on as her teammates faced a pair of daunting matchups.
Yet thanks to sensational upsets over hosts France in the quarterfinals and a rematch with Spain in the semifinals, Marta will get a chance to win her country's first-ever gold medal.
The Sporting News has the details on Marta's possible return to the field and whether she will make the starting lineup as she rejoins the action.
MORE: Marta ranks No. 1 among TSN's top 10 women's soccer players ever
Will Marta play in Olympic gold medal match vs. USA?
After missing Brazil's two knockout stage matches against France and Spain, Marta will be once again available for Brazil selection in the 2024 gold medal match.
With Marta back from suspension, it means Brazil may once again have the full compliment of seven bench players allowed, having been forced to play with six during her time on the sideline per Olympic rules.
It's not entirely certain that she will start, but it's a virtual certainty that Marta will see the field at some point, whether from the starting lineup or off the bench.
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Why could Brazil bench Marta for gold medal match?
It would have seemed inconceivable at the onset of the tournament, but there's a real argument for Marta to begin this gold medal match vs. the USWNT on the bench.
At 38 years old, Marta still has a cutting edge to her game, but it's hard to argue against what this team achieved in her absence, and in such a condensed knockout tournament, form and vibes are of enormous importance to a team's success.
The Brazilian forwards have performed exceedingly well with Marta unavailable, starting with her replacement Gabi Portilho who scored in both games Marta was sidelined. Kerolin and Adriana Leal both scored goals in the semifinal against Spain, while Ana Vitoria, Ludmila, and Jheniffer have all been strong as well.
Meanwhile, a fresh-legged Marta would be a game-breaker off the bench, having already scored once this summer as a substitute, coming off the bench to score against Jamaica in an early June friendly. She also has one of her five NWSL goals this season as a substitute, scoring the only goal of a 1-0 victory for the Orlando Pride over the Utah Royals back in April.
While it would seem harsh to leave Marta on the bench of her final international match, but with the team in exceptional form in her absence and a first-ever gold medal on the line, Brazil head coach Arthur Elias may have a real decision to make.
