FCBARCELONA.CAT

08.08.2007 14:53

Messi: “I can’t wait for it all to start”

Vanessa Forns

Lionel Messi is keen to get down to action and after training twice on Tuesday and taking his medical on Wednesday he can’t wait to get started with the football.

As he played at the Copa América, Messi, like Márquez and Milito, has been excused from the Scottish and Asian tours. But he is now back to work and after his first appearances at La Masia since before the summer he has told the press that he feels as ready as ever to get playing football again.

Nothing more important than the team

The Argentinian international does not think that missing out on the pre-season will put his first team place in jeopardy. “I am relaxed in that sense” he said. “It is the boss who will decide who plays. We need to think about the group, about the team, and it doesn’t matter who plays or gets left out.”

Great new signings

Messi has been away in Argentina, but has kept a close track on developments in Barcelona. He is looking forward to meeting the new players Frank Rijkaard has signed for the 2007/08 season, saying “when players arrive that improve the quality of the team, it makes you grow and feel stronger. Barça has been strengthened in every department.”

Competition for places

With Thierry Henry, Giovani Dos Santos and Bojan Krkic added to the mix, there is going to be some tough competition for places in the Barça attack this season. Messi feels that is all up to Frank Rijkaard, and has added that he is in no way surprised by the performances of Giovani and Bojan, saying “I have known them both for a long time and have seen what they can do.”

Roles of the young players

Giovani Dos Santos has said that Messi is a great example to follow, and the man himself is “pleased he should say that, and it makes me happy that new players are still coming out of the youth system and that the lads are confident and are dreaming that they can make the grade. At that age the only thing you want to do is play, whether that’s in the first team or the reserves.”