June 13 – Lionel Messi has ruled out playing in this summer’s Olympics for Argentina, saying it would be “too much” after representing his country at the Copa America.
Messi, 36, is currently with Argentina preparing to defend their Copa América title in the United States.
Argentina play the opening game against Canada on June 20, with the final taking place July 14.
The men’s Olympic tournament runs from July 24 to August 9. While for men it is primarily an under-23 event, three overage players are allowed for each team, leading to a debate over whether Messi could feature.
However, he told ESPN Argentina Wednesday that he has informed Argentina U23 coach Javier Mascherano that this will not be possible.
“I talked to Mascherano and the truth is we both understood the situation,” Messi said. “It’s hard [to think about the Olympics right now] because we’re in Copa América. It would be two, three straight months of not being with the club, and more than anything I’m not at an age to be in everything.
“I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two straight tournaments. 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.”
Messi would have missed least five Inter Miami games if he headed to Paris. He has been key to Miami’s results this season, contributing 11 goals and 12 assists in 12 matches.
He will be hoping to take that form into the Copa America, with Argentina looking to retain the trophy they won in 2021.
To add to the interest, the tournament is being staged in the United States, which Messi has been able to call home for the past year.
He says he intends to finish his career with Inter Miami though not yet.
“As of today, I think it’s going to be my last club,” he said. “It was a difficult step to leave Europe to come here (but) I love playing football. I enjoy the…
Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/06/13/messi-rules-paris-olympics-says-inter-miami-will-last-club-gig/
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-06-13 10:44:53
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