QUOTE(alz @ Feb 17 2006, 09:44 PM)

What is the situation??
Nike and adidas are battling for the services of Barcelona superkid Lionel Messi.
Adidas has a contract with Messi until 2012 worth around £800,000-a-year and he celebrated it with a goal in their new F50+ blue boots against Real Zaragoza last week.
However, Nike are reportedly insisting Messi is still their player having worked with him before he made his senior breakthrough this season.
Argentine newspaper reports indicate adidas are prepared to compensate Nike for two years of their contract with Messi, but the American sportswear giants have rejected the offer.
Both companies are desperate to be associated with the Argentine whiz ahead of this year's World Cup and making matters more complicated for Messi is Nike's strong relationship with Barcelona.