Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not be participating in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. After discussing the matter with Argentina Olympic coach Javier Mascherano, Messi cited the demands of the Copa America as a primary reason for his decision.
“I talked to (Argentina Olympic coach Javier) Mascherano, and the truth is we both understood the situation,” Messi said in a recent Spanish interview with ESPN. “It’s hard (to think about the Olympics right now) because we’re in Copa America. It would be two, three straight months of not being with the club (Inter Miami), and more than anything I’m not at an age to be in everything.”
Messi, who turns 37 on June 24, will focus on the Copa America, which kicks off next Thursday and concludes with the final on July 14. The Paris Olympic men’s soccer competition begins on July 24 and ends with the final on August 9.
Participation in both the Copa America and the Olympics during the same summer is uncommon due to scheduling conflicts and club commitments. While clubs are obliged to release players for continental championships like the Copa America, they are not required to do so for the Olympics. This often leads top players, like Messi, to prioritize one tournament over the other.
The Olympic men’s soccer tournament features U23 teams with three over-age exceptions, making it an appealing platform for young talent to showcase their skills on an international stage.
“I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two straight tournaments (this year),” Messi emphasized. “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. Olympics, U20, memories I’ll never forget.”
Despite his absence, Messi expressed hope that the players who do participate in the Olympics will cherish the experience, highlighting the uniqueness of the event compared to other football competitions.
Messi, alongside Mascherano, had clinched Olympic gold for Argentina in 2008, a year that did not coincide with the Copa America schedule.
The decision not to participate in the Olympics aligns with similar choices made by other top players globally. The U.S., for example, is also expected to forego sending its top over-age players to the Olympics following their participation in the Copa America.
Meanwhile, players like Kylian Mbappe of France, currently competing in Euro 2024, face considerations regarding potential Olympic participation, subject to club agreements such as those involving Real Madrid and Mbappe.
As Messi continues his journey with Argentina in the Copa America, his decision reflects a strategic approach towards managing his playing commitments at this stage of his career.
