Barcelona is seeking a negotiated settlement that would allow Argentina's Lionel Messi to miss the Olympic Games in Beijing, the Primera Liga club has said.
Argentina's Olympic team coach Sergio Batista said on Wednesday he was confident the 21-year-old winger would be joining up with them, in line with FIFA convention that state clubs should release Under-23 players for the event.
After finishing third in the Primera Liga last season, Barca have to play a Champions League third qualifying round tie over two legs on Aug. 12/13 and Aug. 26/27 to make the group stage.
They have time after time stated they want as many of their players as possible available for these fixtures. The Olympic soccer tournament runs from Aug. 6-23.
Messi, who has returned to Barcelona for pre-season training, has already stated he would like to attend the Olympic Games.
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