Lionel Messi will not play for Argentina at the Paris Olympics due to the demands of the Copa America, which starts later this month.
“I spoke with (Javier) Mascherano and, to be honest, we both understand the situation,” Messi told ESPN in an interview. “It's difficult (to think about the Olympics now) because we're in the Copa America, it means I'll be away from the club for two or three months in a row and, above all, I'm not old enough to take part in everything.”
“You have to choose carefully and it's not possible to play two tournaments in a row. I was very lucky to play in the Olympics and win it with Masche. It was a great experience at football level.”
Messi, 36, and Argentina are seeking to defend their Copa America title and will face Canada in the tournament's opening match on June 20. The Copa America final will be played on July 14, just 10 days before the men's Olympic soccer competition begins.
Shortly after Argentina's U-23 men's national team qualified for the Paris Olympics, rumors began circulating that Messi could join the national team as an over-age player (one of three players over the age of 23 allowed on each team in the men's tournament). Mascherano said Messi had an “open invitation” to join the Olympic team, but acknowledged that Messi could play in multiple matches this summer.
After the Copa America, Messi will return to Inter Miami to defend another trophy they won last summer – the League Cup. The tournament begins on July 26, the same day as the Olympic opening ceremony.
Messi hasn't had to seriously consider playing in an Under-23 tournament since winning gold with Argentina at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Winning a second Copa America title would be a far greater achievement, and Inter Miami's main focus during the Olympics will be the League Cup.
In addition to his decision to play in the Olympics, Messi told ESPN that he plans to finish his club career with Inter Miami. He made 29 appearances in his first season with the club, scoring 25 goals and providing 16 assists. He was part of the 2023 League Cup-winning team, scoring in the final and scoring a penalty in the shootout to bring Miami its first major trophy.
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(Photo: Daniel Bartell/USA Today)
