Lionel Messi's 2016 Copa America, Rio Olympics Decision Revealed by Tata Martino

Argentina coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino has said Lionel Messi understands his omission from his nation's bid for gold at the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, and he will instead focus on the Copa America in the United States this June. 

Ben Grounds of the MailOnline quoted the manager as saying he believes the iconic player could suffer burnout if he features in Brazil, after Messi led Argentina to the Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008.

Martino said the following, per Grounds:

"

I always felt that it would be an exaggeration to have Leo play at the Olympics again, especially if you bear in mind there's the Copa America first.

It would have been a different matter had there not been a Copa before the Olympics. I discussed it with Leo, and he agreed with me.

It's a bit like what has happened to Neymar. It seems like Brazil have made the decision to only take him to the Olympics and not the Copa.

We felt that it was a better option to strengthen the team for the Olympics in defence.

"

JUAN MABROMATA/Getty Images

Messi is yet to have a successful Copa America campaign, finishing as a runner-up in 2007 and 2015, per Grounds.

The current holder of the Ballon d'Or has suffered a tough campaign for Barcelona, having experienced an injury earlier in the season before the Blaugrana crashed out of Europe and surrendered their treble crown.

Despite the Catalans' recent disappointments, Messi has continued to shine, plundering 25 goals in only 29 starts in La Liga this term, according to WhoScored.com—including 15 assists.

Messi continues to be the fulcrum of the attack for his country, as this video displays:

The Olympic Games are still considered a niche achievement in the world of football, and the importance of adding the Copa to Messi's career haul supersedes a second gold medal.

There would have been a temptation to push for victory in the country of Argentina's natural continental rival, but the Copa America fits into Messi's natural schedule ahead of Barca's plans for next season.