Could Lionel Messi’s jampacked schedule include a trip to Paris for the 2024 Olympics?
Argentina coach Javier Mascherano is hopeful, but he knows Messi, 36, has plenty to consider.
Along with starring with Inter Miami, Messi is expected to join Argentina – the reigning 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup champions – for this summer’s Copa America 2024.
Mascherano, who coaches Argentina’s under-23 team, said he had conversations with Messi about being one of three possible overage players to join Argentina’s Olympic roster.
“I spoke with Leo and we agreed to keep talking. He has just started the season with Inter Miami and we still have some time until the Olympic Games. And we have to consider he also has the Copa América ahead this summer. It is not an easy situation,” Mascherano told TyC Sports on Tuesday.
“We have to see if he really has the energy to be there [in Paris]. It is not our intention to bother him or pressure him. We made him an invitation in advance, and we gave him all the facts he needs to think about it and to talk with his club. It is not easy for him, either, to manage it with Inter Miami and the MLS and to be absent for a while. He will decide at the right time.”
It’s possible either tournament will be Messi’s last major competition with Argentina after the World Cup victory.
“We have to understand that Leo’s age is a factor now,” Mascherano said of Messi. “He clearly has to manage his efforts.”
Why is it unlikely to play in 2024 Olympics?
Messi must decide between the Olympics or the Leagues Cup tournament, which is sponsored by Apple – Messi’s media partner, who was instrumental in his Inter Miami acquisition last summer. Inter Miami is also the defending Leagues Cup champion. It appears business could play a factor in Messi’s decision.
The Olympics will be July 24 through Aug. 10, while Leagues Cup will be July 26-Aug. 25.
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino, using another player as a reference, prefers his players to play in either Copa America and the Olympics. But not both.
Messi has also played in the Olympics, helping Argentina win gold in Beijing in 2008.
What is Argentina’s Copa America schedule?
Messi will leave Inter Miami for most of June, while competing in Copa America. The tournament begins with Messi and Argentina playing the opening match in Atlanta against Canada or Trinidad and Tobago on June 20.
Argentina’s second match is against Chile on June 25 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina will also play Peru on June 29 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Copa America final will be held at the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins on July 14.
Before Argentina plays in Copa America, they will have two warmup matches: June 9 vs. Ecuador at Soldier Field in Chicago; June 14 vs. Guatemala at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.
Messi would miss at least five Inter Miami matches this summer if Argentina reaches the Copa América final again. The potential matches: June 15 at Philadelphia Union; June 19 vs. Columbus Crew; June 29 at Nashville SC; July 3 at Charlotte FC; and July 6 at FC Cincinnati.
