Lionel Messi has decided not to play for Argentina at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He feels it would be “too much” to handle after the Copa America and his commitments with Inter Miami. Messi, who won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has said the same for this summer’s Olympic Games.
At 36, Messi will represent Argentina at the 2024 Copa America, but playing in another international tournament right after is a stretch. The World Cup winners and Copa America champions Argentina will defend their title in the United States from June 20 to July 14. If they reach the final, it’s just 10 days before the men’s football tournament in Paris begins.
The Olympics mainly feature under-23 players, but teams can include up to three older players. Argentina’s under-23 coach, Javier Mascherano, talked to Messi about this, but Messi feels it’s too much. Playing in both tournaments would make him miss too many matches for Inter Miami, where he’s still adjusting after leaving Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
Messi told ESPN Argentina, “I talked to Mascherano, and we understood the situation. Being away for two, three months from the club is hard, especially at my age.”
Messi led Argentina to a World Cup win in 2022 and a Copa America title the previous year. He also won Olympic gold in 2008. But now, he’s picking his battles. “I have to choose carefully. Playing two tournaments back-to-back is too much. I’ve been lucky to play in the Olympics and win it with Masche. It was a fantastic experience. The Olympics, U20 tournaments – they’re unforgettable.”
Messi hopes the new players enjoy the Olympics as much as he did. “The Olympics are special, different from anything else.”
