Live
- 11 coaches of Bangalore-Kamakhya Express derail in Cuttack
- UP: Aazad Party threatens stir over 'denial of permission' to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti
- Sandeep Reddy Vangashares an interesting update on ‘Spirit’
- Vishnu Manchu’s ‘Kannappa’ gets postponed: New release date awaited
- Director Dr Anil Vishwanath reveals his deep personal connection with ‘28°C’
- Chiranjeevi-Anil Ravipudi film gets a grand launch
- Vaishnavi Chaitanya shines as Telugu cinema’s new regal powerhouse
- Devotees throng Mata Vaishno Devi shrine on Day 1 of Chaitra Navratri
- India men to tour Australia for white-ball games in 2025/26 season, women to play all-format series
- 'A monthly injection of inspiration': Rajeev Chandrasekhar on PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat'
Messi says he won't play for Argentina at Paris Olympics
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has decided not to be part of Argentina's squad for the Paris Olympics as he is no longer at an age where he can play in every tournament.
New Delhi: Lionel Messi has decided not to be part of Argentina's squad for the Paris Olympics as he is no longer at an age where he can play in every tournament.
Messi shared his thoughtful perspective, expressing his gratitude for the invitation from former teammate and under-23 manager Javier Mascherano.
"I talked to Mascherano and the truth is we both understood the situation," Messi told ESPN.
However, with the rigors of Copa America looming large and the demands on his aging physique becoming more pronounced, Messi recognised the importance of pacing himself.
Balancing club commitments, international tournaments, and personal well-being, he conceded that participating in two consecutive tournaments would be too taxing at this stage of his career.
"It's hard (to think about the Olympics right now) because we're in Copa America. It would be two, three straight months of not being with the club, and more than anything I'm not at an age to be in everything.
"I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two straight tournaments. I've been very lucky to play in the Olympics, of winning it together with (Mascherano). It was a wonderful experience on a football level. Olympics, U20, memories I'll never forget."
