“I’m not afraid of anyone” - Lionel Messi’s ex-Barcelona teammate eager to win gold at Olympics ahead of Argentina, France
Lionel Messi's former Barcelona teammate Ilaix Moriba has talked up his ambition to win gold at the 2024 Olympics ahead of countries like Argentina and France. The midfielder reiterated that he's not afraid of anyone as he eyes glory in Paris this summer.
Ilaix Moriba will get the opportunity to represent Guinea at the Olympics after being involved in the run that secured their qualification for the competition. With memories of Lionel Messi's iconic triumph on this stage in Beijing back in 2008 still fresh in his head, the former Barcelona midfielder is relishing the opportunity to participate.
"The Olympics is something you don’t get to experience every year," he told FIFA. "You see mythical photos, like Messi winning gold, so you know it's a special occasion and not to be missed if the opportunity arises. If it’s not presented to you, then you need to seek it out, which is what I've done. I went in search of it and now have the chance to take part. Qualifying is already historic for the country, but we want it to be even more so."
The 21-year-old went on to express his confidence in the Guinean team that will compete at the Olympics this summer, stressing that he isn't intimidated by anyone as he shoots for glory.
"I have a great deal of confidence in this group," he said. "I've been involved for two years, during which time we've improved a lot. It’s time for the hard work of recent years to pay dividends. It’s starting to happen and the country is seeing it, but now we want everyone to deliver and really put ourselves on the football map. My mentality is that I want to win and I'm not afraid of anyone. Our attitude is to leave everything out there and keep up the great work we’ve been doing."
Ilaix Moriba had the privilege to share the dressing room with Lionel Messi at Barcelona between 2020 and 2021 before controversially leaving the club for RB Leipzig in August 2021. He still represents the Bundesliga outfit but has spent the last couple of years on multiple loan stints.
Will Lionel Messi participate in the 2024 Olympics?
Considering his impact and influence in the national team, many would love to see Lionel Messi don the Argentina jersey once again and guide the Albiceleste to yet another glorious triumph at the Olympics in Paris this summer.
However, the fans would need to realize that the 37-year-old is already in the twilight of his career and won't be able to throw himself into every competition like he used to.
Speaking to ESPN prior to the recently concluded Copa America tournament, Messi ruled out his participation in this year's Olympics, citing that it would be too much for him to leave the Copa and head straight to Paris.
Interestingly, he managed to guide the Albiceleste to glory at the Copa America to claim his fourth straight international trophy.