The ultimate glory of any sports is an Olympics victory. While some dream of participating in it is, others try climbing the podium. There seldom comes cases where players overlook Olympics for other tournaments. Tennis had the issue before and was solved allocating points for Olympics. But now a bigger shock awaits the world. The most popular figure of the most popular game of the world is to skip 2016 Olympics. Lionel Messi- the time and current holder of 'Best footballer' tag won’t be representing Argentina in the mega event.
His coach Gerando Martina says Messi requires some rest and will skip Rio Olympics later this year. But he also added he will play Copa America. This has raised some serious questions about the preferences given to the mega event.
A player resting himself for a mighty national duty sighting other minor commitments (as compared to Olympics) is a issue to be taken seriously. The club commitments of course have a big impact on a footballer's life, but skipping Olympics is never a welcoming aspect.
He might have tasted the Olympic glory in past (Beijing 2008- gold), but skipping this one is certainly not good news. The time when Messi is in top form and is being booed for not bringing much success of country team, this decision should go on his table again.
This might also make his rivals think of preferences and football in Olympics will lose its heat and sweetness. This may be his personal interest and others have no right to interfere. Yet to avoid more of such issues, both FIFA and Olympic Committee must try making changes so that the players are free of burden and Olympics will have some big names in its attendance register.
