SFA to pursue Messi matter

Argentine forward exempt from playing in friendly

By James Dall   Last updated: 3rd October 2008

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Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith has not given up hope of ensuring Lionel Messi features for Argentina in the arranged friendly game at Hampden Park.

The SFA announced on Tuesday that it has secured a deal for an encounter against the South American giants on 19th November.

Smith, though, has since become aware of an agreement between Messi's club Barcelona and the Argentina Football Association that sees the 21-year-old exempt from certain friendly matches.

Barca are adamant Messi will not play in any friendly fixtures for his nation this season following his involvement at the Olympics, but Smith is determined to pursue the matter.

He said in the Daily Record: "It's a great pity but I will be looking to pursue the relevant parties to see if we can get them to change their mind.

A great shame

"When the game was confirmed we had an agreement that they would bring their best side from a list of players. Messi must not be on that list and that is not something we were aware of.

"It's a great shame that one of the best players in the world will not be coming to Glasgow but hopefully we can work to get him here."

Barca sporting director Txiki Begiristain added: "We allowed Messi to play at the Olympics.

"We had an agreement that there was insurance that covered the whole of the player's salary if he got injured.

"We also have the word of the Argentina FA that he will be released from playing friendlies this season."

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