It's been widely reported that Barcelona has been pressuring Messi into not participating in the upcoming Olympic Games because of the teams Champions League preliminary games that will take place at the same time as the Olympics. It seemed that the issue was settled when FIFA issued a communique last week stating that all club teams must release their players that are under 23 years old that are selected by their national teams to participate in the Olympics.
But, now the new Barcelona manager was quoted as saying that there has not been a final resolution in the Messi situation and that he expects FIFA to side with Barcelona and for Messi to stay with the team instead of going to the Olympics.
The Argentina FA President said that FIFA's rules are clearly on the national team's side and that he fully expects Messi to participate in the Olympics.
Barcelona begins its pre-season training next Monday and Messi is not expected to be there. Or will Lio be there and miss out on the Olympics in order to avoid a big conflict with his club team?
3 comments:
He must play...its his dream...arghh...darn Barca..I just hope he stands for himself like the Great Diego hopes. Btw any news of match with Japan?
Vamos Albiceleste
Vamos Messi
I cannot believe that Messi is going to allow the Catalans dictate whether he plays in the Olympics. He is loyal to Barca, but he will bring them more glory in Beijing than he will in any preseason tournament. There is a reason FIFA gave exemptions; Barca is abusing their best player for a short term gain.
I of course, also want to see Messi in the Olympics.
I think that the situation as it continues to unfold has already damaged Messi's image to alot of Argentina fans.
Also, I don't think that Messi has handled the situation in the best possible way. Messi has not stated clearly what he would like to do, he has instead made naive comments that he would like to play in the Olympics and in Barcelona which he knows is impossible.
Messi is trying to not alienate Argentina fans and Barcelona fans but he is wrong for that because whatever ends up happening with the situation, Messi will end up being criticized by the losing side.
I think that whole circus could have been avoided if Messi had taken the initiative and stated what he really wants to do and by pressuring which ever side to back down.
I don't think its reasonable to expect Messi to resolve an issue that football officials who are supposed to, were not able to.
But, Messi can not have it both ways by attempting to clear himself of any responsibility, by staying neutral and by hoping to move on from the whole affair with his image undamaged.
In a situation like the one he finds himself in he has to take a stand. One way or another.
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