Messi vs Mbappé? Argentina and France stars could face each other at Paris 2024

On December 18, 2022, one of the most exciting matches in the history of world sport was played. At the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, Argentina and France faced each other for the final of the World Cup and drew 3-3, with two goals by Lionel Messi and three by Kylian Mbappé. Then, in the penalty shootout, the South Americans were more accurate and won the third title in their history.

Now both teams have a goal for next year: the Euro 2024 for France and the Copa America for Argentina. The Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami forwards will obviously be there, respectively. But they will not be the only important tournaments of the year. Between July and August, the Olympic Games will be held in Paris and there will also be soccer competition there. France, being the hosts, are already qualified and Mbappé confirmed that he will be part of the squad, while Argentina will play a pre-Olympic tournament at the beginning of 2024. The question is whether Messi will join the squad should they get their place.

The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, gave a press conference in Buenos Aires and spoke about Leo's possible presence in Paris 2024: "It would be fantastic if Messi could be there. The Games are an ambition of many soccer stars, like Mbappé. For Lionel Messi it would mean a chance to write history again. He could be the only player in history to have two Olympic gold medals and the World Cup."

He added: “I don't want to interfere in the coach's decisions, but it would be a fantastic chance for Messi. If he plays, Argentina will have a better chance of winning the gold medal. It would also be fantastic for soccer and the Olympics. Let's keep our fingers crossed”.

He has already won the gold medal

Lionel Messi was Olympic Games champion in Beijing 2008 with the Argentine national team. That team was star-studded with Angel Di Maria, Juan Roman Riquelme, Sergio Aguero and Javier Mascherano. The latter will coach Argentina in next year's pre-Olympic tournament.