Lionel Messi makes a tough decision, will skip mega event
Lionel Messi, Argentina’s legendary striker and captain who lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2022, has announced he will not be participating in the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. This decision comes despite the hopes of Argentina’s U23 coach, Javier Mascherano, who envisioned Messi joining the team.
At 36 years old, Messi feels the demands of playing in two consecutive tournaments, the Copa America (June 20 – July 14) and the Olympics (July 26 – August 11), would be too much for him.
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“I talked to Mascherano and the truth is we both understood the situation,” Lionel Messi said. “I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play in two straight tournaments.”
This decision also takes into account his club commitments with Inter Miami. Spending additional time away for the Olympics would disrupt his club schedule.
While Messi acknowledges the disappointment of missing another opportunity to add to his Olympic medal collection, he wishes his fellow players a fulfilling experience.
“I have been very lucky to play in the Olympics, of winning it together with Masche,” he added. “It was a wonderful experience on a football level. The Olympics are special, different from anything else.”
Lionel Messi, alongside Mascherano, was instrumental in Argentina’s 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medal win, defeating Nigeria in the final.
Shifting gears, Messi addressed comments made by his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe, who suggested the European Championship is a tougher competition to win than the FIFA World Cup.
“The Euros are very important,” Messi said, “but it leaves out Argentina, three-time world champion; Brazil, five-time world champion; Uruguay, two-time world champion. There are many world champions left out to say that the Euros is the most difficult, right? In the World Cup, the best teams are there, all the world champions are generally there. That is why everyone wants to be world champion.”
Messi’s focus now turns to Argentina’s Copa America title defence, kicking off on June 20th against Canada. While the allure of another Olympic gold medal is undeniable, Messi prioritizes his overall physical well-being and club commitments. Fans will undoubtedly miss seeing him on the Olympic stage, but his legacy as a champion remains firmly established.
