Lionel Messi facing tough Copa America or Olympics choice as Tata Martino issues strong warning to Inter Miami squad in bid to avoid MLS season interruption

The Argentina captain has been told he can join the Albiceleste team that will compete at the summer games in Paris this summer by Under 23s coach Javier Mascherano. However, the Copa America is also taking place in the United States this summer and Messi may have to take his pick.

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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."

Fellow Argentina hero Angel Di Maria was also tipped to join Mascherano's squad for the Olympics. However, the former Real Madrid winger has confirmed he would rather be in the Copa America squad for his final tournament in an Argentina shirt. On the other hand, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has declared his desire to compete at Paris this year.

The wait goes on to find out which team Messi will represent in the summer competitions. In the meantime, however, he will focus on his duties at Inter Miami and their opening game of the new MLS season against Real Salt Lake this week.