Barca Blocks Messi’s Olympic Dream

05.07.2008

FC Barcelona is continuing its fight with Argentina over the Olympic status of Lionel Messi.

Marca says the blaugrana side is eager to retain Messi's services for the early part of the season, but the Argentinean Olympic coach has called him up for the Beijing Games.

With these not concluding until late August, Barcelona will be without its prize asset for the opening spell of what is a vital campaign at Camp Nou unless it can ensure Messi does not travel.

Technical secretary Txiki Begiristain said, "Our goal is to go after all the players - including Messi," he said. "We understand the importance of playing in the early rounds. We believe that we are in the right and that we should not release the player. We remain in permanent contract with the AFA."

The Argentine FA, though, is unwilling to pay too much heed to the culers, with coach Sergio Batista eager to take Messi to the Far East."Messi is one of the best players in the world, but for me he can get even better once he learns to play without the ball," said the boss.

"The role he must aim for is to have more contact with the ball and take advantage of space, not to stay stagnant in one place."