Paris Olympics sweating on Lionel Messi & Kylian Mbappe! Why Real Madrid move threatens to dash gold medal dream for France international

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.

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.”

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.

According to L’Equipe, 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.”

The 2024 Olympics get underway on July 24 - just 10 days after the European Championship final, which France will be hoping to reach. The event will then run through to August 10, giving Mbappe little time in which to ready himself for domestic action with Real Madrid.