Messi to play Olympics despite verdict

2008-08-07 03:06:56 GMT2008-08-07 11:06:56 (Beijing Time) Xinhua English

Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi (L) takes part in a training session in Olympic co-host city of Shanghai, east China, Aug. 6, 2008. (Xinhua/Pei Xin)

Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi takes part in a training session in Olympic co-host city of Shanghai, east China, Aug. 6, 2008. (Xinhua/Pei Xin)

BUENOS AIRES, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi will stay in China to play the Olympic Games with the Argentine national soccer team, although Wednesdya's verdict of the Court of Sports Arbitration (CAS) favored Barcelona club from Spain.

Team coach Sergio Batista said in a press conference on Wednesday that "Tomorrow, Messi will be and he will play the entire tournament with us, although I am not going to talk about legal issues."

"The player (Messi) will inform his wish to Barcelona club of being here" in Beijing, although he had promised to return to the club if the CAS gave a verdict against his wishes, Batista said.

In his side, Julio Grondona, president of the Argentine Soccer Association (AFA), told the TV channel Todo Noticias (TN) that Messi "stays in China and he will play."

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