Barca have decided against recalling Messi from the Games, despite a Lausanne ruling in their favour this week.

"I can only say thank you," said Messi. "To everyone. To Pep, because he has been sympathetic, to my colleagues who have been worried from the outset and have understood my situation and the club that, despite having the power to force me to return, understand that I want to be here."

Messi was on the mark for Argentina in yesterday's opening game against Ivory Coast, which finished 2-1.