Football is one of the biggest sports in the Olympic Games as it is set to feature top athletes from various popular domestic leagues. As the Olympics drew nearer, fans were dealt a double blow with recent news about two of the sport’s biggest names. Earlier expected to play for their respective countries, both Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi are confirmed not to partake in the games.
If you are looking to bet on Olympics games, it is crucial that you learn more about these unexpected changes here:
Mbappé: A missed opportunity at home
Kylian Mbappé, one of the star players of France, was excluded from Thierry Henry’s preliminary squad for the French Olympic football team. This is due to his agreement to join Real Madrid after his contract expired with Paris Saint-Germain.
Henry revealed during a conference that Real Madrid is the main reason why Mbappé will not compete in the Olympics. He was disappointed especially since there was a lack of negotiations on the matter.
Despite Mbappe’s past desire to represent his hometown at the Olympics, he seemed to have come to terms with the situation, especially since the men’s Olympic football tournament is not an official FIFA event.
Despite this, the team’s 25-man roster still boasts significant talent as it includes players like Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta. You can also expect to see former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette representing France.
Their first match is slated against the US on July 24 at Marseille Stadium. The exclusion of Mbappe has undoubtedly left a void, but the French squad remains determined to make a strong impact in the upcoming tournament.
Messi: Age and priorities limit Olympic dreams
Considered one of the most iconic and legendary football players, Lionel Messi decided to not partake in one of his last chances to play in the Olympics. The U23’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, had expressed his hopes of having Messi in the squad, but the 36-year-old star has opted out.
This is mainly due to concerns about the physical demands of back-to-back tournaments. Following his participation in the Copa América, Messi deemed the Olympics as ‘too much’ for him at this stage of his career.
Having secured Olympic gold in 2008 in Beijing with Mascherano, Messi acknowledged the incredible experience and success they shared in the Olympics. This has made the decision to skip Paris 2024 even more significant. The prospect of being away from his club, Inter Miami, for an extended period, was also a key factor in his decision-making process.
While Messi is sad about not being able to add more medals to his tally, he is hopeful that the chosen squad to represent his country will cherish the experience the Olympics offers. He emphasised the special nature of the Olympics and expressed his desire for the players to savour every moment of the unforgettable journey.
If you were planning on crypto sports betting on these two athletes, it is best to look for other prospects. There are tons of other amazing athletes to look out for on Olympics betting sites, especially now that there are several promising youngsters in the scene.
