The 2024 Olympics are counting on the participation of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, while Real Madrid threaten to dash dreams of a gold medal.
Argentina is still awaiting the decision of Messi, eight-time Ballon d’Or, regarding his participation in Paris, because it is necessary to take into account the commitments of his club, Inter Miami, and the Copa América which will take place this summer. The hope was that France would have a superstar in their squad to use as a poster child for the event, with Mbappé declaring his desire to compete in a home Games. He stated : “It’s my employer who decides. It will be a pleasure to participate, but if my employer does not want to, I will support their decision. I don’t think it takes much time to think about it.”
For now, that employer is Paris Saint-Germain, who would be happy for the Bondy star to represent the capital in an international competition. However, the 25-year-old is heading to another major European capital in order to become a ‘Galactico’ at La Liga giants Real Madrid.
Real says no
According to L’Equipe, Los Blancos are reluctant to release Mbappé for Euro 2024 and the Olympic competition at the start of his stay at Santiago Bernabeu. “ According to our information, the possibility of seeing Mbappé compete in the Olympics with Thierry Henry’s team is decreasing day by day.writes the newspaper.
The 2024 Olympic Games will begin on July 24, just ten days after the European Championship final, which France hopes to reach. The event will continue until August 10, leaving little time for Mbappé to prepare for the domestic competition with Real Madrid.
