Barça conclude Messi business
Monday, September 26, 2005
Article summary
FC Barcelona's Argentinian international midfielder Lionel Messi has secured a Spanish passport to give him European Union status.
Article body
FC Barcelona's Argentinian international Lionel Messi has secured a Spanish passport to give him European Union status.
Non-EU limits
The 18-year-old, who was nurtured in the club's youth teams, has been unable to play in the Primera División this season as the club were already fielding the three non-EU nationals permitted by the Spanish authorities in Rafael Márquez, Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o.
Passport granted
Now that Messi has been granted a Spanish passport, the club can list him as a native European player with the league authorities and use him in Primera División games. He played in Barça's opening UEFA Champions League game, a 2-0 win at Werder Bremen two weeks ago.
Massive extension
Messi is regarded as one of the most promising players in the current crop of youth team graduates. The club recently signed a renewed contract with the player, securing his services until June 2014 - the longest contract extension ever handed to a player at the Camp Nou.
