OLYMPIC GAMES
Mbappé vs Messi and World Cup revenge at the Olympic Games
After Argentina managed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, one immediate thought was of a relative rematch against France.
On 18 December 2022, Messi secured victory for the Argentine national team in the Qatar 2022 World Cup at the expense of Kylian Mbappé's French team, who were aiming for a second consecutive global title. It was a significant blow for the French, but they may already have their chance at revenge, much sooner than expected.
Argentina vs France at 2024 Olympics
With their recent win against Brazil, the Argentine Under-23 team earned a spot in the Olympic Games, all set to take place in Paris, the home of PSG’s current superstar, Mbappé, setting the stage for another encounter between two of football’s greats. The Inter Miami star is included in Javier Mascherano’s plans for the summer when the Olympic event kicks off, while Mbappé dreams of representing France in his own homeland.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the Olympic Games, but it’s not up to me to decide,” Mbappé said about the possibility of playing in the summer event. “My team decides. It would be a pleasure to participate in the event. The final decision lies with my club, but if my team doesn’t want to, then so be it.”
On the other hand, Messi could return to Paris, his home for nearly two years, and where he made a significant impact. And if Thiago Almada, the captain of Argentina’s U-23 team, has any say in the matter, one of the spots for experienced players would go to the nation’s legend.
“I hope Messi has the desire and can be at the Olympic games, it would be a dream,” Almada said to Dsports. “If Messi comes, I’ll give him the captain’s armband, obviously. Now they are the ones who have to decide if they come.”
Obstacles to Messi vs Mbappé showdown
The Olympics are scheduled to commence on 26 July and run through until 11 August. As the competition falls outside FIFA’s calendar, clubs are not obligated to release their players to participate in the tournament. Mbappé's contract in Ligue 1 expires this summer, and there’s much speculation regarding his future, with many now suggesting he’s headed to Real Madrid, a club that has been monitoring the French forward for several years.
Thierry Henry, coach of the French team set to compete in the Olympics and a legend of Les Bleus, also didn’t guarantee Mbappé's participation, citing a potential transfer as the stumbling block.
“Let’s say I want a player, and his current club agrees,” the former Arsenal great began. “If he’s transferred in the summer, who’s to say his new club will agree to release him? I don’t know where he’ll end up, but the club will have a say. I haven’t contacted him yet.”