Manchester City's Olympic champions Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta have hailed the unique nature of the tournament ahead of Tuesday's draw.
The pair both starred as Argentina triumphed over Nigeria in the final four years ago, and have said the players in London 2012 will experience a tournament like never before.
Aguero, who scored twice in the semi-final defeat of Brazil, told www.fifa.com: "I had never been to the Olympics and my team-mates who had been said it was something incredible.
"When it came to my turn, it was something unique, that you can only experience once. I was so pleased and especially because we could achieve the gold medal."
Zabaleta, also a gold medallist with Argentina in 2008, highlighted the experience of staying in the athletes village.
He said: "When we go to play in any tournament, friendly matches, whatever, we always go in a very professional way, with the tools to work, good hotels, good food, everything is great.
"The difference with the Olympic Games is the amateur spirit. There you're in the same boat as all the other sportsmen, athletes from other disciplines - you have the same rooms, with six or eight in the same apartment with just one bathroom.
"You have to get a bus to go and eat; you're training in difficult places. This is the difference.
"We had the good fortune to meet Rafa Nadal, Kobe Bryant, other Argentinian sportsmen who were staying in the same place."
Argentina did not qualify for London this time - Brazil and Uruguay will represent South America.
Former Brazil striker Ronaldo, who will assist at Tuesday's draw at Wembley Stadium, was part of the Brazil side that won bronze at the 1996 Games.
He added: "Winning the bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympics is among my greatest achievements in football.
"The Brazilian national team always aims for first place, but sport, and the Olympic Games in particular, teach us to value all accomplishments.
"I also like to remember that it was in Atlanta that my partnership with Bebeto on the national team started."