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Messi puts country before club
Hatem Maher Published in FilGoal on 13 - 08 - 2009

Lionel Messi wants to miss Barcelona's opening game in the Primera Liga to prepare for Argentina's anticipated World Cup qualifier against Brazil.
The Spanish champions will open the defense of their title against Sporting Gijon on August 31st.
Argentina, who occupy the fourth and final automatic qualifying spot for the World Cup, face bitter rivals and leaders Brazil on September 5th in the South American zone.
"I'll play until the 28th and later I want to ask the coach if I can have permission to go, and miss the first game so I can prepare for the match against Brazil," sensational forward Messi said.
The 22-year-old missed Argentina's 2-1 friendly victory over Russia due to a minor leg complaint.
"I'm OK. I just need to take it easy, start training and do the tests with the doctor," he commented.

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