Buenos Aires, Jun 15 (IANS): Argentine national football team stalwart Javier Mascherano was named ambassador for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games set for October 6-18.

"It is a great honour to have been named ambassador for the Youth Olympics, which will take place in my country," Mascherano said in a statement issued by the Argentine Olympic Committee (COA) on Thursday, reports Efe.

Mascherano will serve as ambassador along with his fellow countrymen Luis Scola, a basketball player who won an Olympic gold medal in 2004, and quadruple Olympic medal winner Luciana Aymar, considered to be the best female field hockey player of all time, as well as with South African swimmer Chad Le Clos who won several medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

The ambassadors' mission is to motivate youths to play sports and lead a healthy lifestyle.

"The Argentine footballer, who is preparing to play in his fourth FIFA World Cup, received the invitation from the Buenos Aires 2018 Organizing Committee and will be one of the symbols of the largest multisport event in Argentine history," the COA said.

Mascherano's vast track record includes two Olympic gold medals won in 2004 and 2008.

Some 4,000 young athletes aged 15 to 18 from 206 countries will participate in this year's Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.