Lionel Messi’s Olympics Ambitions Dashed Out: Inter Miami Star Not to Be a Part of Argentina’s Squad Despite Earlier Interest

The 2008 Beijing games were memorable for Lionel Messi. Argentina won the gold medal, and that marked Messi’s first significant success with the national team. To date, that has remained the Inter Miami star’s only Olympic appearance. Recently, Javier Mascherano was quite keen to involve his countryman in the upcoming Paris 2024 and even invited him to do so. Hence, soccer fans were hopeful that the legendary player would lead his country’s charge at the biggest sporting event in the world. However, it seems all those hopes are set to be dashed.

As per reports from Arevalo Martin, Lionel Messi will not go to the Olympic Games! The reason behind the decision, if true, is unknown. However, it is unlikely to have come from Messi’s side. The story previously was that the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner was keen to go to the Olympics, along with Di Maria. Likewise, U-23 coach Javier Mascherano also wanted to have the duo on board.

In fact, Mascherano previously said, “I spoke with Leo. We invited him to accompany us at the Olympic games and we both agreed to speak again.” Usually, teams participating in the Olympics have a U-23 squad with 3 overage players. Masherano’s choice for the trio reported was Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, along with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

It is worth noting that the Olympic Games start on the 26th of July and run until August 11th. Another major soccer tournament, Copa America, is scheduled from June 20th to July 14th. Hence, could the schedule have played a part in the Lionel Messi news? Well, Tata Martino was not keen on his players playing in both events.

Tata Martino’s contribution to Lionel Messi’s Olympics exclusion?

Previously, Inter Miami’s boss, Tata Martino, had voiced his opinion about players participating in the Olympics and Copa America. The coach had said, “We have no problem, we know we have to give it to the Copa America and that to the Olympic games. I don’t have any problems choosing, but it’s just that you can’t spend 2 months, because no one would do it. “Martino does have a point since any player, including Lionel Messi, would miss 2 months of club action for the said events.

Also, the schedule of the Olympics is set to clash with the Leagues Cup. The Leagues Cup starts on July 26, just 2 days after the Olympics inauguration. Inter Miami is the reigning champion, courtesy of Lionel Messi’s masterclass last year. Hence, Tata Martino would have been quite keen to have the playmaker on board this time as well, and Messi might have been forced to pick between the Copa America and the Olympics 2024.

Read More: With Javier Mascherano Eager to Include Him, Lionel Messi Reacts to Argentina Knocking Brazil Out of Paris Olympics