Ahead of winning the Copa America with Argentina, Lionel Messi was asked about his plans to play at the Olympics in Paris, where he lived before moving to Inter Miami last year. His former teammate, Kylian Mbappe, is one of the other global superstars that fans are most keen to see this summer. We go through their status.
The men’s soccer tournament at the Olympics is off to a wild start, and there’s still a lot to play for before the finals on August 9.
The competition will see the top 16 nations battle it out for the gold medal, with teams made up of a mix of exciting young prospects and established superstars.
Men’s teams consist of a minimum of 15 players under the age of 23 and a maximum of three players of any age.
Lionel Messi will not be representing Argentina at the Olympics this summer, and they could have used him as they slumped to a controversial 2-1 defeat to Morocco in the opener.
He is preparing for the second half of the Major League Soccer season with Inter Miami, who have already won the 2024 Copa America earlier this month.
The Ballon d’Or winner has led his country to victory in several other competitions, including the 2008 Beijing Games, the 2021 Copa America and the famous 2022 World Cup.
However, having competed in the three-week continental tournament this summer, the 37-year-old informed Argentina Under-23 coach Javier Mascherano that playing in the Olympics would be too much for him.
Speaking to ESPN Argentina ahead of the Copa America final, he said: “I spoke with Mascherano and it’s true that we both understood the situation.
“It is difficult because we are in the Copa America. It would be two, three consecutive months if I wasn’t in the club, and more than anything, I’m not old enough to be in everything.
“I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two consecutive tournaments.” I was very lucky to play in the Olympics, to win it together with Masha. It was a wonderful experience at the football level. Olympics, U20, memories I will never forget.
“It’s spectacular to be lucky enough to go through all that. I hope the guys who are going to go enjoy it as much as I did, because it’s special. The Olympics are special, unlike anything else.”
Former Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe will also miss the Games as he prepares for his debut season at new club Real Madrid.
Mbappe had an underwhelming campaign at Euro 2024 as France were eliminated in the semi-finals after a 2-1 defeat by eventual winners Spain.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the recent Euro 2024 tournament, Mbappe said: “For the Olympics, my club has a position that is very clear, so that means I don’t think I will participate.
“So it is.
Mbappe has previously expressed his desire to represent his country, which will be managed by French icon Thierry Henry, but admitted it was impossible due to his busy schedule.
“Joining a new team in September would not be the best way to start my adventure,” he said.
“I wish the best to the French national team.” Of course, I will be watching all their games as a spectator, not as an actor, and I hope they bring back the gold medal.
The final of the men’s Olympic football tournament will take place on August 9.
The new Liga season starts a week later, and Madrid also play in the UEFA Super Cup on August 14.