Will Barça stars Lionel Messi and Neymar be rivals at the Olympics in 2016?
Neymar has already confirmed he will take part at the Olympics in Rio in 2016 and it now seems that Lionel Messi may be up for playing in the tournament too.
"They hired me to become champions and to go to the World Cup (U20s). I dedicate this title to Pepe Costa, Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi."
These were the surprising words of Humberto Grondona, the coach of Argentina's U20 side, after winning the U20 South American Championship in Uruguay.
The win means that Argentina have qualified for the U20 World Cup in New Zealand, but, more importantly, that they have won a place at the Olympics in Rio next year.
Grondona wouldn't elaborate on his phrase, but it is a clear message to the two Barcelona players (while Costa also works at Barça and accompanies Leo wherever he goes) that he wants them involved in the Games.
Mascherano and Messi could occupy two of the three places reserved for players older than 23.
If it happens, it would create an interesting battle between Blaugrana stars in South America: Leo Messi, Argentina's No.10, against Neymar, Brazil's No.10.
Brazil coach Alexandre Gallo has already confirmed the presence of Ney in his squad for the tournament.
Both players have Olympic experience. Messi won gold in 2008 in China, thanks to Pep Guardiola giving him permission to go and play in the event.
Neymar, at London 2012, made it to the final, but his Brazil side were beaten by Mexico (0-2) leaving them with a silver medal and a thirst for success in their homeland.
In 2016, Messi and Neymar could take part in a battle which was avoided at the last World Cup because of Brazil's defeat to Germany (and Ney's injury). The Maracaná awaits.
