Lionel Messi Announces He Will Not Be Playing In The 2024 Paris Olympics With Argentina
Argentina’s Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not be participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics with the Argentina squad. The Inter Miami forward is currently preparing to defend Argentina’s Copa America title, and has stated that it would be “too much to play in two straight tournaments” at the age of 36.
Messi's decision comes as Argentina gears up for the Copa America, which runs from June 20 to July 14 in the United States. The Olympics men's football tournament follows shortly after, from July 24 to August 9.
Despite his previous Olympic success in 2008, Messi emphasised the difficulty of committing to consecutive tournaments at this stage in his career.
Messi explained, "I talked to Mascherano and the truth is we both understood the situation. It would be two, three straight months of not being with the club, and more than anything, I'm not at an age to be in everything."
Inter Miami Coach Says Players Should Choose Between Olympics and Copa America
Inter Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino had also suggested players choose between the Copa America and the Olympics to avoid being away for an extended period.
Martino's concern was echoed by Messi, who has been pivotal for Miami this season with 11 goals and 12 assists in 12 matches.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, cherishes his past Olympic and international victories but acknowledges the need to prioritise his commitments. "
I've been very lucky to play in the Olympics, of winning it together with Masche. It was a wonderful experience on a football level. The Olympics are special, different from anything else."
Ultimately, Messi hopes the younger players who get the chance to compete in the Olympics will savour the experience as much as he did. For now, his focus remains on leading Argentina in the Copa America and continuing his role at Inter Miami.
