Messi presence in Beijing unknown
July 29th 2008 22:34
Lionel Messi appears to be settled with Barcelona
FIFA has postponed Lionel Messi's case to play in the Olympics this August.
The Organisation confirmed the decision “will not be known today because the reunion finished late and we need more time to page a rational decision."
Argentine Olympic manager Sergio Batista assured that Messi will be present in Beijing later this week.
"He will join his teammates later this week, possibly Friday" Batista said.
For their part, Barcelona is still keen on keeping Messi in Spain for their upcoming Champions League qualifiers.
It was supposed to be D-day for Messi this morning on whether his presence at this year’s Olympics would be felt.
Both Barcelona and Argentina remain confident of snaring Messi's services for the period on offer. The young Argentine already made it clear his desire is to play in the Olympics.
Batista said he is prepared to wait until the end of the week to finalise his squad for their Olympic defence beginning on August 7th against the Ivory Coast.
President of Barcelona, Joan Laporta, yesterday assured Messi will be flying with the rest of his Barcelona teammates for friendlies in the United States and Italy.
If Messi is deemed unavailable for international selection, Marco Ruben firms as he's replacement.
Argentina yesterday finished off preparations for Beijing after defeating Japan 1-0 in a friendly.
The reigning Olympic champions will start their defence in group B, which places them alongside the Ivory Coast, Serbia, and Australia.
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