Argentina under-23 coach Javier Mascherano said he is still in talks with Lionel Messi regarding his potential appearance in 2024 Paris Olympics.
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Messi’s Olympics appearance remains 50/50
Messi’s former teammate said bringing Messi to the Summer Games is “not an easy situation.”
Club teams are not obligated to allow their players to play in the Olympics, and Messi is still under contract with Inter Miami.
In addition, the 36-year-old will likely lead Argentina’s title defense campaign in Copa América.
“I spoke with Leo, and we agreed to keep talking,” Mascherano said in an interview with TyC Sports. “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.”
The Olympic football tournament will take place between July 24 and August 10.
Meanwhile, the Copa America will kick off from June 20 to July 10.
Mascherano also mentioned that Messi needs to manage his efforts, considering his age.
“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”
“Beyond the fact that he still has a superlative level, we have to understand that Leo’s age is a factor now. He clearly has to manage his efforts.”
