FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.07.2008 21:36

Messi will join up with Argentinian Olympic team

David Saura (enviat especial)

Lionel Messí will travel to Shanghai on Thursday morning to join up with the Argentinian national team for the forthcoming Olympic Games.

After FIFA ruled that clubs must release their Under-23 players and the Barça star will leave the day after playing against Florentina in order to begin his long journey to the Far East and will not go to the United Status with Barça.

The 21-year-old will travel straight from Florence to Shanghai, going via Paris, to begin his preparations with the Albiceleste, who have been working towards the even in China next month. Coach Sergi Batista named Messí in his squad and has had to wait for FIFA to make a decision.

Messi stated on Wednesday that he would do what FIFA decided, but could yet return to play for FC Barcelona in the Champions League qualifiers in August if the club are successful in their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).