Barca to ensure Messi absence

Argentine star unlikely to feature at Hampden Park

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 8th October 2008

Lionel Messi Argentina

Messi: 'Needs rest'

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Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain has arrived in Buenos Aires to ensure Lionel Messi does not feature in Argentina's match in Scotland.

George Burley's Scotland are to take on the South American giants in an arranged international friendly on 19th November.

Messi was allowed to participate at the recent Olympics under the stipulation that he will not partake in any friendly fixtures this season.

Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith has voiced his hope that the Barca star would be granted permission to play at Hampden Park, but Begiristain is adamant this will not happen.

Begiristain is to meet with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) and sign a document to guarantee that Messi will not be required to represent his country in Scotland.

He said: "We are inflexible and the rules are to be respected. Barca does not permit the presence of Messi against Scotland and I will confirm this by writing.

"I understand the position of the AFA but we want to save the rights of our player. Messi needs to rest and my mission is to ensure this happens."