Messi Scores One and Makes One in Opening Olympic Game
Doesn’t matter what Barcelona wants or what the Court of Arbitration for Sport says. Leo Messi played for Argentina against Cote d’Ivoire in the 2008 Olympics this morning and scored the opening goal (above).
Cote d’Ivoire equalized through Cisse, but in the 86th minute Messi (again) burst down the left and squared for Lautaro Acosta to score the winner.
Who knows if Barcelona will try and call Messi back for the Champions League Third Qualifying Round game next week now? But the little man has already made his mark on the 2008 Olympics.
UPDATE: Barcelona have struck a deal with the Argentinian Football Association to allow Messi to play in the Olympics:
1) If Messi get injured in China, the AFA will cover his salary and
2) Messi won’t be called up for any Argentina friendlies this season.
Here’s what Barcelona Sports Director Txiki Begiristain had to say:
“We took the decision last night before we flew back from New York to Barcelona after hearing the decision from CAS. Messi will play the Olympics.
“We spoke to the player first of all and with our coach Pep Guardiola.
“We have an agreement that there is an insurance that will cover the whole of the player’s salary if he is injured.
“We also have the word of the Argentina Football Association president that he will be released from having to play friendlies for the whole of the season.
“We wanted the player to be happy and he is.”
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Comments
By diana | August 7th, 2008 at 7:54 am 
Barcelona gave Messi the go-ahead to remain in China - when the match was still going on.
http://eurosport.yahoo.com/07082008/3/barcelona-give-messi-olympics-thumbs.html
Anyhow like you said Daryl, he has already made his mark at the Olympics. Scoring one and assisted in another.
Posted from 
Singapore
By Ian Rose | August 7th, 2008 at 8:27 am Who got the assist to Messi? Lovely ball in.
By Jan | August 7th, 2008 at 8:55 am The great Juan Román Riquelme.
By A. | August 7th, 2008 at 9:00 am Wonderful game from two excellent sides. If this Argie team was picked as a first choice in any competition no one would bat an eyelid. It could well be their next WC team.
Posted from 
Australia
By kovolikessoccer | August 7th, 2008 at 10:37 am I am so glad that he is able to play in the Olympics. He is a very exciting player and he brings a lot to the game.
By Mauro | August 7th, 2008 at 11:25 am I’m surprised anyone had a doubt about his impact on this tournament. Messi will be the player of the tournament even if Argentina don’t get the gold medal.
On the first goal, Riquelme could have put the ball over the defender or to the right of the defender and Messi would have blown by him regardless. He had no chance.
Our defense is still suspect on high crosses into the area. Has been a big concern and something we don’t defend very well and haven’t for some time.
Still, plenty to draw from this match for coach Batista. I’m glad they didn’t look so polished, that means they haven’t peaked yet and I’ll take that any day in a debut match.
Posted from 
United States
By Bobo | August 7th, 2008 at 3:30 pm The Ivory Coast should have won this game IMO. They played Argentina off the pitch for much of the game.
Posted from United States
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