Superstar Lionel Messi said he will not attend the 2024 Paris Olympics with Argentina.

Messi will now join Argentina in the Copa America in the United States, aiming to defend his title. With the Paris Olympics starting just weeks after the Copa America, the 36-year-old says it is simply unrealistic to play in both tournaments.

Messi confirmed to ESPN that he has contacted Javier Mascherano – head coach of the Argentina U23 team, to make his decision. The owner of 8 Golden Balls said: “I spoke with Mascherano and the truth is that we both understand the situation. It’s difficult to think about the Olympics right now because we are in Copa América.

It would be two or three months without playing for the club, and on top of that I am no longer at the age where I can play every tournament. I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two tournaments in a row. I was very lucky to play in the Olympics and win a gold medal with Masche. It was a great experience at youth level and memories I will never forget.”

Messi will not attend the Paris Olympics

The men’s football event at the Olympics differs from most major international tournaments in that teams must select a majority of their players under 23. There will only be a maximum of three spots allocated to players over the age limit, which has opened up the opportunity for Messi. However, the Barca legend will not be participating.

Apart from the age issue, if Messi plays in the Olympics, he will no longer have a summer break because the MLS is still going on. Before joining the Argentina team for the Copa America, Messi still played regularly for Inter Miami without any time to rest.

In the past, Messi won the Olympic gold medal in men’s soccer in 2008.