Barca wait on Messi decision

New coach does not want Argentine to play in Olympics

Last updated: 15th July 2008

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Barcelona remain determined to prevent Lionel Messi from playing for Argentina at the Olympics.

Messi has been included in Argentina's squad for next month's Olympic Games and is keen to play in Beijing.

However, Barca want the mercurial playmaker to miss the tournament as it clashes with the qualifiers for the UEFA Champions League.

New coach Pep Guardiola has confirmed the club have made a request to Fifa to block Messi, 21, from taking part in China.

Waiting

"We brought forward his arrival and now we are waiting for a statement from Fifa," said Guardiola.

"We are defending that which we think is right, and if they say we are correct, Leo will stay.

"If is doesn't turn out like that, he will have to go to the Games."

Barca's bid looks set to fail, though, with Fifa rules stating that players under the age of 23 must be released by their clubs to represent their countries at the Olympic Games.