Despite the qualification of Argentina U23 led by his friend Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi should not play in the football tournament of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Inter Miami and MLS do not intend to release “La Pulga”.
The dream of an entire people flies away a little more every day. There is little chance of seeing Lionel Messi lead Argentina to the football tournament of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 24 to August 10) on the heels of the Copa América 2024 (June 20 to July 14). The Ballon d’Or record holder could, however, afford a second Olympic medal after his coronation in 2008 in Beijing.
Even before Argentina’s qualification at the end of the South American TQO (which excluded Brazil, double title holder of this competition), Javier Mascherano, at the head of the Albiceleste U23, had proposed to Messi, a friend for a long time, to be part of the Olympic adventure. The 12 qualified can obviously call on up to three players over 23 years old in their squad.
MLS All-Star Game scheduled
But Inter Miami and MLS are not in favor of Messi’s departure after his return from the Copa (which is being played in the United States while the North American championship will continue to be played). The MLS All-Star Game has even been scheduled for July 24 in Columbus (Ohio), probably against a selection from the Mexican Liga, the same day as the first day of the Olympic tournament. 90min journalist in Florida Lizzy Becherano reveals it.
MLS intends to present an all-star team with the world idol. As for Inter Miami, a second absence of Messi during the summer is not desirable. The coach of the Florida team Tata Martino himself affirmed that the players concerned will have to make the choice between the Copa América and the Olympics. David Beckham’s franchise will indeed play the Leagues Cup, a mid-season tournament, against Tigres and Puebla from July 26.
