Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho have been given rapturous receptions on their arrival in China for the Olympic soccer tournament but a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is threatening to take some gloss off the contest. Argentina forward Messi, who is set to become one of the highest-profile figures ever to have graced the competition, could be forced out of the Games if CAS rules in favor of his club Barcelona, who have appealed against a FIFA decision ordering them to release him. FIFA, soccer's governing body, last week ruled that clubs must release players aged under 23 who are selected for the Games. CAS is expected to give its verdict on or before Wednesday. Messi's absence would be a huge disappointment to the public in Shanghai, where defending champion Argentina play its first two games, and Beijing, where it completes its program in Group A which also features Serbia, Australia and Ivory Coast. Messi's arrival in Shanghai on Friday attracted the attention of dozens of onlookers and autograph hunters. Ronaldinho, who is taking part as one of the three overage players allowed per team, has come to China with the blessing of his new club AC Milan and his arrival in Shenyang, where Brazil face Belgium in their opening game on Aug 7, caused an even bigger stir. “Ronaldinho was surrounded by a multitude asking for autographs, shouting his name and taking photographs,” said the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on its website (www.cbf.com.br). “There were so many people that the players had trouble reaching their bus. The biggest problem was that the police and security officials temporarily abandoned their jobs and joined in the autograph hunting.” Although Ronaldinho's presence is assured, two members of the Brazilian squad - full back Rafinha and midfielder Diego - are also involved in a club-versus-country row involving their respective clubs Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen.
