Lionel Messi is bypassing Brazil for a summer date in Seattle.
Argentina national team head coach Gerardo Martino said Monday that the reigning Ballon d’Or winner will not compete with Argentina during the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, instead focusing on the team’s bid in the Copa America Centenario.
Messi and Argentina will play in a group stage match at CenturyLink Field in Seattle on June 14. Although the opponent will be determined via the Copa America draw on Feb. 21, the match brings the world’s best player and the No. 2-ranked team to Seattle for one of the highest-profile matches ever played in the Emerald City.
CenturyLink Field will also a host a group stage game on June 4 (the opponents are still to be determined) as well as a quarterfinal game on June 16.
There was some talk that Messi would play with Argentina’s Olympic team as one of three players over the age of 23 years old. But that option now appears out for the 28-year-old superstar, who picked up the fifth Ballon d’Or award of his career last month.
Tickets go on sale to the general public for all 10 participating venues, including CenturyLink Field, on Wednesday.
