Lionel Messi to follow suit? Argentina legend Angel Di Maria reveals big decision on representing his country at 2024 Olympic Games

There were reports that the 2022 World Cup winner would link back up with Lionel Messi and join the Albiceleste for the showcase event in France. However, while the Inter Miami superstar is yet to make a decision on featuring at the 2024 Olympics, Di Maria has now said he won't be attending. He has vowed to finish his international career at the Copa America, which takes place earlier in the same summer, following "many years of suffering in the national team".

The Benfica star told TyC Sports: "I think I've earned the right to say so far, whenever I decide. And I think the Copa America is the last one. I decided on the Copa America because I had many years of suffering in the national team, in the years when I had injuries and things didn't work out for me. And since winning the Copa America [in 2021] it has been joy and happiness. To be able to enjoy 100% of being in the national team, I deserved it and that's why I decided to continue.

"It's going to be painful for me, but there are a lot of guys behind me. It happened to me when I started that there were a lot of big people who followed me, and I didn't see it so well at times. It's time to take a big step. It's good that we won the World Cup, but there are times when you have to take a step back. Besides, there's a good generation that can continue along the same path."

Di Maria, nicknamed 'Fideo' ('noodle' in Spanish) for his slim build, will bow out at the 2024 Copa America as an Argentina legend. Alongside his 29 goals and 29 assists in 136 appearances for the Albiceleste, Di Maria also played a crucial role in their recent resurgence on the international stage. He scored the vital goal in a 1-0 victory over Brazil which sealed the 2021 Copa America crown, while he netted and assisted in the thrilling 2022 World Cup final where Argentina eventually prevailed on penalties over France.

All eyes will be on whether Messi follows suit. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has openly expressed his desire to feature at the Copa America, and some have even tipped him for a 2026 World Cup appearance. Whether he can manage two international tournaments in one summer remains to be seen, however, which would of course have an impact on Inter Miami's campaign.