Football News

Barca want to stop Messi Olympics

Barca want to stop Messi Olympics


According to the Madrid based Spanish sport daily AS, Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona are inclined to do everything possible to stop Lionel Messi from going to the Olympics next month.

The 20-year old Argentine international has been called up to he national football side for August's Olympics and the player himself is very much eager to go.

But Barcelona do not want to lose their most influential football for the start of the 2008-2009 campaign. The Spanish Primera first division starts in late August and the Olympics do not end until the end of August.

Technical secretary Txiki Begiristain said, "Our goal is to go after all the players - including Messi.

"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."