Messi Thanks Barcelona For Olympic Chance

The striker steered his side to a 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast in their first match of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Messi admits that he was feeling a little too tired after the game but all seems well.

“The first game is always important and we have started very well,” said Messi after the game.

“Is this a dream team? Maybe not but we would have to prove it on the pitch.”

The skilful hit-man went on to thank Blaugrana coach Josep Guardiola as well as the club for alowing him to play at the games.

Barcelona were not obliged to let him go following a ruling at the court of arbitration for sport.

However, the player seems to have struck a deal with his club, which allows him to stay in China.

Messi was also pleased that his former team mate Ronaldinho is doing well with Brazil.

Nicolas Pareja then had a few words on the team’s performance and he believes Argentina can go all the way and defend their 2004 gold medal.

“We are always the favourites,” said Pareja.

“You feel the pressure in these types of games but the result is a major significance for the team.”

Messi and co will now be hoping they can progress through the group stages and repeat the triumph they enjoyed in Athens four years ago.


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