Olympics coach Javier Mascherano has detailed if Lionel Messi will leave Inter Miami to compete for Argentina this summer.
The 36-year-old attacker has been in the spotlight in recent weeks after Argentina’s qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in France later this year, with Messi already due to compete in the Copa America.
With this summer’s competition the last time Messi will realistically compete in the Olympics, talk in Argentina has centered around whether the forward will take part despite Inter Miami having league games.
Argentina coach in talks with Lionel Messi over playing in the Olympics
And speaking to TyC Sports, coach Mascherano has now revealed that he has spoken to Messi about competing in the Olympics, with discussions ongoing.
Mascherano said: “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 Olympics.
“We also have to consider the Copa America this summer. It is not an easy situation. 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 sent him an invitation in advance and we gave him all the facts he needs to think about and to talk with his club. It is not easy for him, either, to manage it with Inter Miami and MLS and to be absent for a while. He will decide at the right time.”
Inter Miami can’t afford to lose Lionel Messi for longer this summer
Messi is set for a massive summer with MLS games for Inter Miami coupled with what might his final major international tournament in the form of the Copa America.
And whilst it makes sense why Argentina fans and pundits want Messi to travel to the Olympics, Inter Miami simply can’t let this happen given how far the South American nation could go in the competition.
The travel and the amount of playing time Messi will endure could lead to some serious fitness issues, and Inter Miami have to put their foot down as soon as possible over their star player traveling to the Olympics.
