Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has backed the club's battle with FIFA over Lionel Messi's Olympics selection.

Barca declared yesterday they would refuse to release the Argie and Puyol said: "Nobody doubts that Messi is a great player for us. For me, he's one of the best in the world.

"We cannot control everything, but I hope he can be here with us."

Barca want Messi available for their looming Champions League qualifier.