The Argentine captain has received permission from Under-23 coach Javier Mascherano to join the Albiceleste squad participating in the upcoming Summer Games in Paris. However, considering that the Copa America is scheduled to take place in the United States during the same period, Messi may find himself having to choose between the two events.

Inter Miami coach Tata Martino was asked if Messi could play at both tournaments and, while not mentioning the Argentine, he outlined the possibilities for Paraguayan team-mate Diego Gomez. He told reporters: “[Gomez] has the Copa America and the Olympic Games. We know that we have to give him to the Copa, and not to the Games, we communicate; I have many friends there [in Paraguay’s FA] and I told them to choose only one.”

Martino added on his desire to avoid any interruptions to the 2024 MLS season: “I am pro-national team, but in this case that there are two competitions [Copa América and Olympics] close together and that implies that a player is away for more than two months.”

Another Argentine standout, Angel Di Maria, was initially considered to be part of Mascherano’s Olympic squad. However, the former Real Madrid winger has stated his preference to be included in the Copa America squad for what could be his final tournament with the Argentina national team. Conversely, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has expressed his eagerness to participate in the Summer Games in Paris this year.