In a highly anticipated quarterfinal match at the Paris Olympics, soccer powerhouses France and Argentina will face off once again, reminiscent of their showdown in the 2022 World Cup. However, the absence of two of the game's biggest stars, Argentina's Lionel Messi and France's Kylian Mbappe, has left fans disappointed.

The reason behind the exclusion of these star players from the pitch lies in the restrictions imposed by the Olympic men's soccer roster rules. Each team is only allowed to have 18 players, with stringent limitations on the selection of players under the age of 23. However, three exceptions are granted for older players to be included.

Speculation had arisen that Messi could potentially be part of Argentina's squad, using one of the exceptions. However, this would have meant him representing his country in the Olympics during the middle of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season, potentially causing conflicts with his club, Inter Miami.

Furthermore, Messi's recent involvement in the Copa America tournament, where he helped defend Argentina's title, resulted in an ankle injury. Even before this setback, the World Cup champion had acknowledged his need for rest and made it clear that participating in the Olympics was not part of his plans.

In an interview with ESPN, Messi stated, "I have to choose carefully, and it would be too much to play two straight tournaments." This decision was in line with his previous appearance in the Olympic squad back in 2008 when he was only 21 years old and led Argentina to secure the gold medal with a victory over Nigeria.

Unlike major international soccer tournaments such as the World Cup, European Championship, and Copa America, the Olympic men's soccer event does not fall under FIFA's International Match Calendar. Consequently, clubs are not obliged to release their players for Olympic participation.

Despite Mbappe's expressed desire to represent France at the Olympics, the decision was ultimately not up to him, as he joined Real Madrid. Even the plea made by French President Emmanuel Macron to "free up Kylian for the Olympic Games" did not yield the desired outcome.

The absence of these two soccer superstars might leave a void on the field, but it also provides an opportunity for emerging talents to shine. The under-23 rule allows promising young players to showcase their skills on the world stage, mirroring the path taken by Messi in 2008.

As fans eagerly await the outcome of the France-Argentina clash in the Paris Olympics soccer quarterfinals, there is no doubt that the absence of Messi and Mbappe will be keenly felt. Nonetheless, the spotlight now turns towards the next generation of stars, ready to make their mark on the global soccer landscape.