Messi out of Scotland friendly

Argentina star will not play at Hampden Park

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 12th October 2008

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Messi: Won't play

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Argentina Football Association (AFA) secretary Jose Luis Meizsner has confirmed Lionel Messi will not play against Scotland in November.

Barcelona forward Messi was allowed to represent the South American giants at the Beijing Olympics on the condition he would not take part in any international friendly fixtures this season.

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) announced last month that a deal had been struck to play a friendly against Argentina at Hampden Park on 19th November, and SFA chief executive Gordon Smith had voiced his optimism that Messi would be allowed to play.

But Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain arrived in Buenos Aires to meet with the AFA this week and it has now been confirmed that Messi will not feature.

Meizsner said: "The negotiations were easy. Barcelona and Argentina are both interested in preserving the physical condition of a star like Leo, and this is the best solution for both sides."