Messi to miss Olympics, leaves door open for 2026 WC
Published: 04:06 PM,Jun 13,2024 | EDITED : 08:06 PM,Jun 13,2024
Jun 9, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) dribbles the ball as Ecuador midfielder Joao Ortiz (18) follows during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
MIAMI: Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has confirmed in an interview with US broadcaster ESPN that he will not attempt to win a second gold medal with Argentina at the Paris Olympics this summer.
'I spoke with (Argentinian Olympic coach Javier) Mascherano, and we immediately agreed on the situation,' Inter Miami forward Messi said in the interview broadcast on Wednesday.
'It's a difficult moment, because there's the Copa America, and that would mean two or three consecutive months away from my club.
'At my age, I don't want to play everything and I need to make the right choices,' added the former Barcelona star, who was a member of Argentina's 2008 Olympic gold medal winning team.
Messi, who turns 37 on June 24, will be with defending champions Argentina at the Copa America from June 20 to July 14 in the United States, just a few weeks before the Olympics start on July 26.
Messi, however, has not closed the door on taking part in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, to be held in 2026 between the US, Canada and Mexico.
'It's great to have records and continue to achieve things but I won't take part in a World Cup just to say I've done six,' said Messi.
'If I feel good and everything is in place for me to be there, fine, but I won't go just to go'.
'It's very difficult to imagine what can happen because it's still two years away. I don't need to commit right now to whether or not I'll be there.'
INTER MIAMI TO BE 'LAST CLUB'
Messi says he expects Inter Miami to be the club where he closes his legendary playing career, but he is not intending to depart right away.
Messi has a contract with the MLS squad until the end of the 2025 campaign.
'Yes, as of today, I think it's going to be my last club,' Messi told ESPN.
But Messi, who turns 37 on June 24, also added, 'I'm not ready to leave football either.'
The record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner became a legend with Barcelona, helping capture four Champions League crowns and 10 La Liga titles.
Messi sparked Argentina victories in the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup.
After playing for Barca from 2004-2021, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain from 2021-2023 and then moved to Inter Miami last year, helping the club win the Leagues Cup crown in his early days with the squad.
'It was a difficult step to leave Europe to come here,' Messi said.
'The fact of having been world champion helped a lot to see things differently also.'
Messi's star turn raised the profile for MLS in the United States, matches selling out wherever he plays and his shirt by far the most popular among MLS jersey purchasers.
Messi now ponders playing for his homeland in the 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the USA with Mexico and Canada, and is contemplating the end of his incredible career.
'My whole life I did this. I love playing ball. I enjoy the training, the day everyday, of the matches. A little afraid that everything will end,' Messi said.
'I try to enjoy. That's why I enjoy everything much more, because I'm aware that there's less and less to go and I have a good time at the club.
'How lucky I am to have colleagues and friends by my side. I had a good time in the selection, where I have teammates and friends too, and many of them, and I enjoy the little details that I know I'm going to miss when I don't play anymore.' — AFP
'I spoke with (Argentinian Olympic coach Javier) Mascherano, and we immediately agreed on the situation,' Inter Miami forward Messi said in the interview broadcast on Wednesday.
'It's a difficult moment, because there's the Copa America, and that would mean two or three consecutive months away from my club.
'At my age, I don't want to play everything and I need to make the right choices,' added the former Barcelona star, who was a member of Argentina's 2008 Olympic gold medal winning team.
Messi, who turns 37 on June 24, will be with defending champions Argentina at the Copa America from June 20 to July 14 in the United States, just a few weeks before the Olympics start on July 26.
Messi, however, has not closed the door on taking part in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, to be held in 2026 between the US, Canada and Mexico.
'It's great to have records and continue to achieve things but I won't take part in a World Cup just to say I've done six,' said Messi.
'If I feel good and everything is in place for me to be there, fine, but I won't go just to go'.
'It's very difficult to imagine what can happen because it's still two years away. I don't need to commit right now to whether or not I'll be there.'
INTER MIAMI TO BE 'LAST CLUB'
Messi says he expects Inter Miami to be the club where he closes his legendary playing career, but he is not intending to depart right away.
Messi has a contract with the MLS squad until the end of the 2025 campaign.
'Yes, as of today, I think it's going to be my last club,' Messi told ESPN.
But Messi, who turns 37 on June 24, also added, 'I'm not ready to leave football either.'
The record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner became a legend with Barcelona, helping capture four Champions League crowns and 10 La Liga titles.
Messi sparked Argentina victories in the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup.
After playing for Barca from 2004-2021, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain from 2021-2023 and then moved to Inter Miami last year, helping the club win the Leagues Cup crown in his early days with the squad.
'It was a difficult step to leave Europe to come here,' Messi said.
'The fact of having been world champion helped a lot to see things differently also.'
Messi's star turn raised the profile for MLS in the United States, matches selling out wherever he plays and his shirt by far the most popular among MLS jersey purchasers.
Messi now ponders playing for his homeland in the 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the USA with Mexico and Canada, and is contemplating the end of his incredible career.
'My whole life I did this. I love playing ball. I enjoy the training, the day everyday, of the matches. A little afraid that everything will end,' Messi said.
'I try to enjoy. That's why I enjoy everything much more, because I'm aware that there's less and less to go and I have a good time at the club.
'How lucky I am to have colleagues and friends by my side. I had a good time in the selection, where I have teammates and friends too, and many of them, and I enjoy the little details that I know I'm going to miss when I don't play anymore.' — AFP