Messi’s Argentina to Miss Out in London 2012 Soccer Event

Much of the talk regarding the soccer tournament involved with the London 2012 Olympics has surrounded the potential involvement of a Great Britain side. Football Associations of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland protested against allowing their players to compete amid fears of losing their independence from FIFA.

However, the competition has taken somewhat of a blow in attracting the world’s greatest players after two-time defending champions Argentina, and in turn back-to-back World Footballer of the Year, Lionel Messi, failed to qualify.

Messi had reportedly hoped to take part in the Games in London as one of three over-age players each country is allowed to pick but the news will come as a relief to his club side Barcelona, who are among several leading European sides trying to prevent their top players taking part in the Olympics.

Argentina missed out despite beating Colombia 2-0 in their final match of the South American Under-20 Championships.

Earlier results, however, meant that Argentina needed its great rivals, Brazil to lose by five clear goals to Uruguay in their final match but they went on to dominate the game and clinch the Championships after winning 6-0.