What a shameful decision.Don't the CAS know that Country comes first than club.A player is born in a certain country and he has every right to represent his country in such a prestigious event like OLYMPICS.Though the club gives him salary but it should have some common sense and respect a Country's decision. And ateam like Barcelona where many great players are presnt how can it depend on a single player.And if he has to play a certain game to win it for Barcelona so why did Barcelona finish third in the Spanish leauge despite the presence of Messi for the whole season.
RE:Ridiculous decision.
by Aditya on Aug 07, 2008 01:56 AM
the issue is not as simple as country before club.... Football is developed by clubs... Barca has probably spent millions not just as salary for messi, but also taking care of his development.... argentina has not developed messi, barca has.... or other clubs have.... so country before club doesnt hold.. yes i do feel its really small minded of barca to hold on to a player.. at the most the olympics are 2 weeks and the spanish liga will be on for another 9 odd months..
RE:Ridiculous decision.
by Arun Nayar on Aug 07, 2008 04:04 AM
That is baloney...did Barcelone discover Messi...no its the local coaches in Argentina, and he got got noticed playing in Argentina and for the Argentine side before Barcelona even heard of him. And I am sure Messi finds greater pride in representing Argentina at the Olympics than playing some noname club from Israel or Poland!!!!
RE:Ridiculous decision.
by Aditya on Aug 07, 2008 03:11 PM
Arun Nayar your information is baloney.... Messi had a growth hormone deficiency and his club in argentina could not help him out. Barca FC director Charles Rexach then brought him to Barca, paid for his treatment when Messi was only 12-13 years old... I dont deny that its a priviledge to play in olympics and to represent your country and Barca can be large hearted.. but dont say Barca hasnt developed Messi.....
RE:Ridiculous decision.
by Manjit Thakkar on Aug 07, 2008 08:57 AM
Yes Barca has dicoverd Messi. he also has Spanish Citizenship and he had the options (intially) weather to play for Spain or Argentina on the intl level. Barca has spent more TIME then money to get him where he is. They even paid for his treatment(the disability he had)
