Rate it!

6 votes

Barcelona will allow Lionel Messi to remain with the Argentina squad for the duration of the Olympic Games.

Messi was selected to represent Argentina at the Games, but after the 21-year-old joined up with the squad in China the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that clubs did not have to release players because the Olympics do not appear on the official FIFA calendar.

On Thursday afternoon sporting director Txiki Begiristain and coach Pep Guardiola officially confirmed they would not be recalling Messi after the player expressed his desire to remain at the Games during talks with the club late on Wednesday night.

Guardiola told a press conference held at the Nou Camp today: "It's the best decision as, although with Leo we're a better side, these are exceptional circumstances.

"He's happy there and is satisfied and there's no need to take this any further."

Begiristain added: "We want the player to be happy and his happiness is there for all to see."

The sporting director also confirmed earlier reports that the Catalan club have allowed their player to stay in China after striking a deal with the Argentina Football Association (AFA).

The AFA will now pay for a large insurance policy which would see the Nou Camp outfit receive a large pay-out should Messi be injured at any point during the Games.

The 21-year-old will also be exempt from certain friendly matches involving Argentina, allowing him to remain in Spain with the Barcelona squad.

The agreement is similar to that which German clubs Werder Bremen and Schalke both demanded of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) after allowing their players Diego and Rafinha to remain at the Games.

TEAMTalk / Eurosport