Lionel Messi Announces He Will Skip 2024 Paris Olympics, Citing Copa America Commitment
Argentina soccer icon Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not participate in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, following his involvement in the Copa America tournament. This decision aligns with a common practice among top soccer stars from North and South America.
In an interview with ESPN, Messi stated, "I talked to (Argentina Olympic coach Javier) Mascherano, and the truth is we both understood the situation. 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."
Turning 37 on June 24, Messi and Argentina are gearing up for the Copa America, commencing next week and concluding with the final on July 14. The Paris Olympics men's soccer event kicks off on July 24 and concludes with the final on August 9.
Participation in both a senior continental championship and the Olympics in the same summer is uncommon due to scheduling conflicts and club commitments. The Olympic men's soccer competition is designated for U23 teams with allowances for three over-age players.
While clubs are mandated to release players for continental championships such as Copa America and the ongoing European Championship (running until July 14), they are not obligated to release players for the Olympics. Consequently, clubs typically retain players engaged in concurrent continental tournaments.
Messi reminisced about winning Olympic gold alongside Mascherano and Argentina in 2008, noting, "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."
With the U.S. national team also competing in Copa America and unlikely to dispatch its top over-age players to the Olympics, and French star Kylian Mbappe engaged in Euro 2024, discussions continue regarding his potential Olympic involvement pending approval from Real Madrid.
Messi concluded, "I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two straight tournaments (this year). I hope that the guys who get to go enjoy it in the same way that I did because it's special. The Olympics are special, different from anything else."
The decision not to participate in the Olympics reflects Messi's prioritization of club commitments and physical readiness, marking a strategic choice in his illustrious career.
