Lionel Messi to overlook Paris Olympics however leaves door open for 2026 World Cup

File photograph of Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
| Picture Credit score: AP

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has confirmed in an interview with US broadcaster ESPN that he is not going to try to win a second gold medal with Argentina on the Paris Olympics this summer time.

“I spoke with (Argentinian Olympic coach Javier) Mascherano, and we instantly agreed on the scenario,” Inter Miami ahead Messi mentioned within the interview broadcast on Wednesday.

“It’s a tough second, as a result of there’s the Copa America, and that may imply two or three consecutive months away from my membership.

“At my age, I don’t wish to play all the pieces and I have to make the proper decisions,” added the previous Barcelona star who was a member of Argentina’s 2008 Olympic gold medal successful workforce.

Messi, who turns 37 on June 24, will probably be with defending champions Argentina on the Copa America from June 20 to July 14 in the US, just some weeks earlier than the Olympics begin on July 26.

Messi, nevertheless, has not closed the door on participating in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, to be held in 2026 between the US, Canada and Mexico.

“It’s nice to have information and proceed to attain issues however I gained’t participate in a World Cup simply to say I’ve carried out six,” mentioned Messi.

“If I really feel good and all the pieces is in place for me to be there, superb, however I gained’t go simply to go”.

“It’s very tough to think about what can occur as a result of it’s nonetheless two years away. I don’t have to commit proper now as to if or not I’ll be there.”