Lionel Messi ruled himself out from the Argentina squad at the Paris Olympics. The player is at such a career phase where he cannot participate in every tournament, and he says that he feels grateful for the invitation made by Javier Mascherano himself, the under-23 manager, and his former teammate. He spoke about it in an ESPN interview.
I spoke to Mascherano and the truth is we both spoke about the situation," Messi told ESPN.
He told them that Copa America was round the corner and so was putting a lot of wear and tear on his body, age catching up on him as well, so managing work will be ideal.
"It's hard to think about the Olympics because we're focused on Copa America. It would mean two to three months away from the club, and above all, I'm not at an age to be in everything," he said.
Along with the club football, international tournaments, and his very own personal well-being, at this age, it would be too much to ask himself to compete in two major tournaments consecutively, Messi acknowledged.
“It’s hard (to think about the Olympics right now) because we’re in Copa America. It would be two, three straight months of not being with the club, and more than anything I’m not at an age to be in everything.
“I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two straight tournaments. I’ve been very lucky to play in the Olympics, of winning it together with (Mascherano). It was a wonderful experience on a football level. Olympics, U20, memories I’ll never forget.”
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