The 2024 Olympic Games are sweating on the involvement of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, with Real Madrid threatening to dash gold medal dreams.
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Argentine superstar yet to make decisionPSG forward eager to be involvedBlancos may block efforts to join French squadWHAT HAPPENED?
Argentina are still waiting on a decision from eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi regarding his involvement in Paris, with club commitments at Inter Miami – and a Copa America tournament this summer – having to be taken into account.
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The hope was that France would have one superstar in their squad to use as a poster boy for the event, with Mbappe stating his desire to compete at a home Games. He has said: “It's my employer who decides. It will be a pleasure to play in them, but if my employer doesn't want to, I will support that decision. I don't think it will take much time to think about it.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
That employer is Paris Saint-Germain for now, who would be happy for Mbappe to represent their city in a global showpiece. The 25-year-old is, however, heading towards free agency at Parc des Princes and is expected to become another ‘Galactico’ at La Liga giants Real Madrid.
Getty/GOALDID YOU KNOW?
According to , the Blancos are reluctant to free Mbappe for Euro 2024 and Olympic competition at the start of his spell at Santiago Bernabeu. Their report states: “According to our information, and whatever your desire to live the Olympic experience in your country, the possibility of seeing Mbappe compete in the Olympic Games with Thierry Henry's team decreases day by day.”