Messi Named to Play for Argentina

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled on Wednesday that Barcelona was not obliged to release him for the tournament.

Argentina forward Lionel Messi was named in the starting line-up for his country's Olympic opener against Ivory Coast on Thursday despite a court ruling that could have led his club Barcelona to call him home.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled on Wednesday that Barcelona was not obliged to release him for the tournament.

CAS upheld an appeal from the Spanish club after FIFA, soccer's world governing body, said clubs must release eligible players.

Barcelona, on tour in the United States, have not made a statement but the players inclusion in the starting line-up indicates a deal, of some kind, had been reached.

CAS upheld similar appeals from German clubs Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen regarding the release of Brazilian pair Rafinha and Diego.

The Brazilians will compete in the Games after the clubs decided to let the players stay in Beijing.