Lionel Messi: Choose Copa America or Olympics, not both — Tata Martino sends clear message to Inter Miami stars

This summer's soccer calendar puts Lionel Messi at a crossroads, faced with a decision that could split his loyalties between representing Argentina at the Copa America and striving for Olympic glory in Paris. 

The dilemma intensifies as Inter Miami's coach, Gerardo "Tata" Martino, signals a strong preference for preserving the integrity of the MLS season, hinting at a challenging negotiation for Messi's summer plans.

Messi, the heart and soul of the Argentine squad, finds himself at the centre of this tug-of-war, as the Copa America set in the United States and the Olympics in Paris vie for his unparalleled skills.

Tata Martino, steering the ship at Inter Miami, pointedly remarks on the situation, using Diego Gomez's scenario as a parallel. "He has the Copa America and the Olympic Games. We know that we have to give him to the Copa, and not to the Games, we communicate; I have many friends there [in Paraguay's FA] and I told them to choose only one," Martino disclosed to reporters. 

While Messi's decision remains shrouded in anticipation, other Argentine luminaries have made their preferences known. Angel Di Maria, another Argentine stalwart, leans towards the Copa America, eyeing it as the ideal curtain call for his illustrious international career. Conversely, Emiliano Martinez eyes the Parisian stage, eager to etch his mark at the Olympics.