Lionel Messi could have to choose between the Copa América and the Olympics this summer, after a stern warning from Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino.
The Argentina captain was informed by Javier Mascherano, the under-23 coach, that he could join the Albiceleste team which will participate in the Summer Games in Paris this summer. However, the Copa América will also take place in the United States this summer and Messi may have to make his choice.
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino was asked about the possibility of Messi playing in both tournaments and, without mentioning the Argentine, he spoke about the possibilities for his Paraguayan teammate Diego Gomez. He told reporters: “Gomez has the Copa América and the Olympics. We know that we have to give it to the Copa and not to the Games, we communicate. I have a lot of friends there (at the Paraguayan federation) and I told them to choose only one.”
Martino added that he wants to avoid any disruption to the 2024 MLS season: “ I am for the national team, but in this case there are two competitions (Copa América and Olympics) close to each other and that implies that a player is absent for more than two months. »
Di Maria will be there
Argentinian hero Angel Di Maria was also tipped to join Mascherano’s team for the Olympics. However, the former Real Madrid winger has confirmed that he prefers to be part of the Copa América squad for his final tournament in the Argentina jersey. For his part, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez declared that he wanted to participate in the Paris competition this year.
The wait continues to find out which team Messi will represent in the summer competitions. In the meantime, he is focused on his duties at Inter Miami and the opening match of the new MLS season against Real Salt Lake this week.
