Lionel Messi has confirmed his decision not to participate in the Paris Olympic Games and intends to focus with the Argentina national team on defending their title at Copa America 2024.

“I’m no longer at an age where I can participate in every tournament,” Messi said in an exclusive interview with ESPN on June 12. “I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two consecutive tournaments.”

The men’s football Olympic event runs from July 24 to August 11. According to regulations, teams can include three players over the age of 23, which would have allowed Messi and other stars to compete in Paris. Argentina Olympic team coach Javier Mascherano and World Cup 2022’s best goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez had urged Messi to join Paris 2024.

However, Messi decided to skip the Olympics to focus with Argentina on defending their Copa America title, taking place from June 20 to July 14 across 14 cities in the United States. He and his teammates are currently training in Washington, preparing for Copa America Group A matches against Canada, Chile, and Peru on June 20, 25, and 29 respectively.

Messi informed Mascherano about his decision. He also expressed reluctance to play back-to-back tournaments with Argentina and miss two to three months with Inter Miami. “I was very fortunate to participate in the Olympics and win with Mascherano in 2008. It was a great experience at the football level and a memory I will never forget,” the 36-year-old forward added.

Messi left open the possibility of helping Argentina defend their title at the 2026 World Cup. “I will support my teammates and play if I’m in good shape and can continue to perform at my highest level,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner affirmed.

Messi could miss at least five matches with Inter Miami during Copa America 2024. This number would increase, including the Leagues Cup, which Inter Miami won last year, if Messi were to participate in the Olympics. Former Argentina coach Gerardo Martino once stated that players must choose between playing in Copa America or the Olympics.

This season, Messi has contributed significantly with 11 goals and 12 assists, helping Inter Miami lead the Eastern Conference in MLS. Over the next month, Inter Miami will be without the services of Messi and Luis Suarez, who was also called up by Uruguay for Copa America. Meanwhile, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets have retired from the Spanish national team, skipping Euro 2024 to continue playing with Inter Miami.