Messi given green light at last

Barcelona's Lionel Messi has been given the all-clear to play in the Spanish league.

The 18-year-old has been at the centre of a eligibility wrangle this season after the Primera Liga (LFP) changed its rules on 'assimilated' players.

It meant he was unable to play in domestic competition for the Catalans as they had already filled their quota of three non-EU players, although he was free to play in the UEFA Champions League.

Barca thought the matter had been resolved when Messi was granted a Spanish passport last month and played him in their 2-2 home draw with Real Zaragoza.

However, league rivals Deportivo La Coruna and Alaves both subsequently presented complaints to the LFP claiming that the youngster should be prevented from playing because his citizenship came after the August 31 deadline for registration of players.

Those complaints have now been rejected by the Spanish Football Association (RFEF) who have cleared the South American starlet to compete in the league with immediate effect.

"The committee has decided not to process the complaint for wrongful selection," RFEF competitions committee president Alfredo Florez stated.

"The player is playing with a junior licence and there is no reason why he should not continue to do so.

"He hasn't been given a new licence and he also now has Spanish nationality. We have looked at all the circumstances and we understand that there is no breach of rules if Messi plays."

Messi, who has drawn comparisons with Diego Maradona, recently extended his contract with Barca for the second time in three months and is now tied to Camp Nou until 2014 with a buy-out clause that stands at ‚é¼150 million (£100 million).

He is already a firm favourite amongst Barca fans and boss Frank Rijkaard will be pleased to have him at his disposal as his side have made a stuttering start to the defence of their league title.