Barcelona Look To Stop Messi's Olympic Trip

The Camp Nou star has been included in the 23-man squad that will take part in Beijing 2008 later this year but it’s not what Barcelona wanted as they need the player for the Champions League preliminaries.

The Blaugrana argue that Messi should remain with them rather than represent his country. The Argentines on the other hand are saying the opposite and so the tug of war continues.

Barcelona director Txiki Begiristain believes Messi should be allowed to put club duties before his national obligations.  

“Our objective is to have all our players ready for pre season and that includes Messi,” said Begiristain.  

“We know the important of playing the preliminaries and we are always in touch with the AFA.  

“We believe that we have our own reasons as well.”  

Argentina on the other hand, believe that Messi is vital to their Olympic hopes and that there is no chance of him putting his national duties aside.  

“Messi is one of the best players in the world,” said coach Sergio Batista.  

“He has to be great even when he is off the ball. I hope to see plenty of movement from him with and without the ball.”  

Barcelona are likely to continue kicking up a fuss over the whole affair but it seems as if Argentina and Messi have won the Olympic battle as the player himself has always stated his desire to go there.  

Salvatore Landolina