Ever sine Lionel Messi left Barcelona to play in the Beijing Olympics, the footballing side of the Olympics have had a jewel among them, igniting a passion and interest that has never been present in the Olympics before.  There was some speculation as to how the Blaugrana would fair without the young Argentinian starlet, but since Messi's departure, Barca has played brilliantly and shown mid-season form much earlier than anticipated.  Now while some wondered of Barca's form, their seemed to be absolutely no doubt about the impact little Lionel would have in Beijing.  Quickly becoming a fair argument for best player in the world, Barcelona's number 10 has improved exponentially since he cracked the first team squad after the 2004/05 season.

Some would say don't believe the hype, but those people must not be watching Beijing Olympics. 

The Argentinian maestro has consistently shined game in and game out as the best player on the pitch no matter which team his countryman are facing.  Already having scored some spectacular goals, Messi added to his list of memorable moments when he created a brilliant chance which led to the winning goal vs Holland, not to mention his earlier moment of beauty as he intercepted a pass deep in Holland's territory to only then slip past 2 defenders and score on a tough angle.  

If you have a chance to watch him in Beijing, do it!  He will match up against ex-Barca midfielder Ronaldinho when Argentina face Brazil.  A battle of the number 10's if you will, and it will surely be one to remember.

Ronnie's form has improved since he left Barcelona, but look for Messi to outshine the Brazilian on the pitch.  It should equate as a match to remember.   

As I predicted, FIFA's ruling has obliged all clubs of releasing their players under the age of 23 to their respective countries if called to Olympic duty.  The decision came this morning as officials stood firm on their position, stating it "mandatory" for clubs to allow their younger players to serve in Olympic duty.

Unsurprisingly, Barcelona will file a formal appeal, further hindering the Argentinian Messi from joining his squad in China.  They won't admit this, but Barcelona's goal is to simply drag out this process until the Olympics have already begun.  The head of the AFA and coach of Argentina had already declared that Messi is not permitted to join the team mid-tournament.  Because of this, their is a high possibility that Barca may succeed at keeping Messi from going to China.  

 However, I still believe Little Lionel will end up playing in Beijing as FIFA will most likely deny Barca's appeal rather quickly.  I'm sad he won't be around for the Champions League qualifier, but I'm glad to see him happy as I know he has desired to play in the Olympics for some time now.  

Now ironically, the two players seen above are no longer with the squad, however I witnessed a Barcelona team today that competes with the glory days of 04/05.  Yes we only played Hibernian, and yes it was not the most competitive match of all time.  But the most encouraging thing I saw tonight was the player's ability to read each other, and to understand what one another were thinking.  Watching Messi work with Alves to score Gudjohnsen's second goal was magnificent, staging a goal of the classic Barca style.  The 6-0 win was convincing and hopefully is that start to a bright new era.

Some players that deserve highlighting would have to be Pique, Messi, Alves, and Toure.  Yaya did an exceptional job of holding the midfield, and I think his presence, along with Ketia's, will eliminate the bullying around of smaller players such as Iniesta and Xavi.  Messi was brilliant as usual.  His humble play, mixed with his hunger for goals shined and brought an immediate smile to my face.  Pique and Caceres both looked comfortable in the back and I'm sure the 4-0 lead after 26 minutes didn't hurt.  

The players wore jersey's between 1-11 for the classic style of numbering based on who is playing, which is why Messi wor 10, Henry 9, and Bojan 16, and Pique wore Milito's 3.  I sincerely believe this team is re-vamped and ready to take on the world.  I know I am. 

Let me begin by declaring that as a Barca fan, I am anti-Real Madrid, but by no means anti-Manchester United.  Our meetings in the Champions League were well played and I congratulate you on your championship of both the Premiereship and the Champions League.  With that being said, I am interested to hear what you Man U fans have to say about the recent comments by Tottenham about your beloved Sir Alex, and his "hypocritical behavior" in his pursuit of Berbatov.

In an interview today with the Chairman of the Hotspurs,  he charged Ferguson as wreckless, disrespectful, and hypocritical because actions taken in pursuit of the Tottenham striker, Dimitar Berbatov.  Now as I understand what must occur during the pursuit of any top flight footballer, I do feel that there is some legitimacy in the Chairman's complaints, at least as far as the hypocrite comment goes.  

I have heard much groaning from Man U fans about the way Real Madrid has persisted in the crown jewel of Old Trafford, Cristian Ronaldo, and yet it seems that much of the same persistence and confidence (or arrogance) is being done in pursuit of the crown jewel of Tottenham.  Fergie made a formal complaint to FIFA about Madrid's Calderon, and it seems that now he is the one doing to pursuing. 

I don't know all the facts, but I'm interested to hear and see what you Manchester fans think.  Let the discussion begin. 

Today, the Catalan Giants announced the official signing of Aliaksandr Hleb from England's Arsenal. He will arrive in Barcelona around 1 p.m. and will continue to go through the medical processes until 7 tonight. After the tests are completed at the Barcelona Hospital, it is expected that he will be presented as an official member of FC Barcelona sometime tomorrow.

Hleb will be the sixth signing for Barcelona in this very active, and I would say productive transfer window, following Caceres, Keita, Pique, Alves, and Henrique. Even though it is a recent signing, it was one that took weeks to finalize. Much speculation surrounded Hleb's satisfaction at Arsenal at the end of the season, and he was linked with a move to Barcelona or Inter Milan for much of the summer. Now that Hleb has been purchased, it seems the Russian Arshavin will most likely go to Arsenal due to the fact The Gunners will have the extra cash, and Barcelona no longer have the need. I would still love to acquire the little maestro, but it's a slim possiblity.

With the departure of Ronaldinho, one could assume that this signing is helped by the funds provided by AC Milan, and the need for a creative force on the left, but Hleb will most likely be filling the shoes of another departed Barca member, Deco.

Deco's ability to pentetrate defenses with his passing and brilliance was key to much success for Barcelona, and that style of play is exactly what makes Hleb a good signing for the club. He's not a goal scorer, but the Belarus international has terrific vision, an uncanny work ethic, and a passion for playing. The signing of Hleb will stir up the depth chart for that left attacking forward position, with Iniesta, Bojan, and possibly Henry (if Eto'o plays up top). But as far as this fan is concerned, Hleb looks to be the right kind of player for what Peppy G is re-constructing at the Nou Camp.