In one of the last big events of the 2008 Summer Games, over 89,000 showed up to the Beijing 'Bird's Nest' to witness defending champions Argentina take on another previous Gold Medal-winning nation - Nigeria - in the Men's Soccer Final...
This exciting Saturday soccer match with a filled Olympic Stadium extended a heated rivarly between these two men's Olympic teams. In 1996, Argentina had lost the Gold to Nigeria, and they weren't about to let it happen again this time. No, since the opportunity presented itself to show off young megastar Lionel Messi, Argentina did just that.
One goal was all that was needed, and it came off of a Messi delivery to Angel di Maria in the 58th minute. Although this did prove to be enough for the win, Nigeria still put up a good fight, and didn't give up or give in; time simply ran out on them...
Messi had been at the center of a legal battle between his club team FC Barcelona and the national team, a dispute in which FIFA themselves got involved. Barca did not want to release Messi for the Olympics, wanting him instead for high-profile pre-season friendlies and the kickoff of the Spanish 'La Liga' season. FIFA came out and stated that all clubs must make their under-23 players available (as Men's Olympics Teams are comprised of mostly under-23 players); Messi is 21. A court of arbitration then ruled in favor of the club, but Messi was already in China by then. So, an agreement was made between the club and the national team to allow him to play at the Olympics "for the good of the countrry."
The move paid off. Messi was great throughout the tournament, and in this all-important Final, proved himself a true team leader yet again...
Argentina won the Gold in Athens, as well. With Nigeria taking home the Silver in 2008, these two teams remain top Olympic contenders. In the Bronze Medal match, Brazil came out on top, but they still have no Olympic wins, while Argentina has their two. Argentina, so many times coming in second to Brazil in important competitions, now continue dominance of their South American neighbors in Olympic Men's Soccer; could 2010 FIFA World Cup be next ?...
Here are some features on tonight's match... ENJOY =)
VIDEO - (and more features from NBC) highlights and full match, WATCH HERE
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