The upcoming year will be an excruciating one for the European soccer players. Mainly because they head towards two major competitions. The Olympics and Euro 2024 will be held in July next year, giving players little to no time to regain their fitness levels. Kylian Mbappe has been vocal about his dream of playing in the Olympics for France and winning the gold but it seems like it won’t be easy for the PSG striker. On the other hand, latest reports suggest Lionel Messi might make a feature in the upcoming Olympics.
Much earlier, Kylian Mbappe showed his interest in joining the France squad for the Paris Olympics 2024. However, the Frenchman stated that many factors would have to be considered if he were to make a feature.
Argentine ready to welcome Lionel Messi with open arms
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Lionel Messi is Argentina’s go-to player for any competition citing his undeniable influence on the squad. The Argentinian has always played a crucial role for his national team cementing his legacy further with the recent World Cup win in Qatar. When asked about Messi’s appearance in the Olympics, Argentina’s Olympics coach, had a stunning take to share with the La Albiceleste supporters.
Soccer icon, Javier Mascherano, gave his take on Messi’s potential inclusion in the Olympic squad as he said, “Leo has the national team’s doors open to do whatever he wants, that’s the reality. If he wants to go if we qualify, he will be welcome. My relationship with him is one of great friendship and I would love it.”
🚨🗣 Javier Mascherano (Argentina Olympic coach) on Lionel Messi potentially playing at the 2024 Olympics: "Leo has the national team's doors open to do whatever he wants, that's the reality.
"If he wants to go if we qualify, he will be welcome. My relationship with him is one… pic.twitter.com/avKDXB3cRj
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) October 26, 2023
The Summer Olympics will be held in Paris and is scheduled to start from 26th July 2024. With the Euro’s ending on July 14, it will only give the players 12 days to rest. Additionally, only three players above the age of 23 years can be included the in Olympic squad.
Paris’ own Kylian Mbappe has shown interest in being a part of France’s squad in the upcoming Olympics. But with Lionel Messi potentially going to be part of the tournament, does that dent the hopes and dreams of the Frenchman of taking his country all the way? While time will only answer that, what is the likelihood of the PSG icon making it for the tournament? Let’s dive deeper.
The dream of Kylian Mbappe to play in the Olympics
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PSG’s Kylian Mbappe who currently captains both Paris Saint-Germain and the French national squad has always cherished the idea of participating in this prestigious event. However, his involvement remains uncertain due to a tight schedule, following the Euro 2024 final and preceding the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season.
Acknowledging the challenges, Mbappe stressed that his participation would depend on several factors that must be carefully weighed. Notably, the Olympics do not align with the FIFA calendar, making it a complex decision. The regulations of Olympic football further complicate matters, as only three players over the age of 23 are permitted in the tournament, and Mbappe is currently 24. Despite these hurdles, the young football icon is determined to pursue his Olympic dream.
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Having already played a pivotal role in helping France secure the 2018 World Cup, and coming close to defending their title in Qatar, Mbappe’s potential participation in the Olympics promises to be an exciting prospect for fans worldwide. Do you wish to see Mbappe star in the upcoming Olympics? Let us know in the comments below.