Lionel Messi is reportedly unlikely to leave Inter Miami to compete in the 2024 Olympics this summer with Argentina.

The 36-year-old attacker has been strongly rumored to featured for the South American giants in the games later this year in Paris, with Argentina beating Brazil to qualify for the Olympics.

With Messi already set to feature at the Copa America and Leagues Cup also starting in the summer, Inter Miami have been patiently waiting for the forward to make a decision on whether he will compete in the Olympics.

Lionel Messi unlikely to leave Inter Miami to compete for Argentina in the Olympics.

Yet according to the Athletic, Messi is unlikely to compete for Argentine in the Olympics, with a decision set to be made official by either the player or U-23 coach Javier Mascherano.

As per the report, the Olympics is arguably the least important event Messi can compete in this summer, with the attacker already having a gold medal having won the tournament back in 2008.

And with Inter Miami early favorites to retain their Leagues Cup championship, Messi will want to once again feature in the competition to bring even more silverware back to Florida.

Moreover, the Copa America remains Messi’s priority this summer, a competition the reigning Ballon d’Or winner likely wouldn’t be able to compete in had he announced he was also playing in the Olympics.

Lionel Messi will be making the right decision this summer.

At 36-years-old, Messi’s at a stage in his career where any additional soccer will be a hindrance more than an advantage, especially with the attacker now playing in a league as tiresome as MLS.

And if this report is to be believed, Messi is making the right decision in missing out on the Olympics this summer, even if there is pressure from certain figures for the forward to compete.

Indeed, Messi has to take it easy this summer given how much soccer the veteran attacker could be playing, and Inter Miami will want their star player to be as rested as possible for return of MLS after the summer.