Messi targets shock final return (9 May 2006 19:34 GMT)
Barcelona's teenage sensation Lionel Messi is backing himself to make a surprise appearance in the Champions League final against Arsenal in Paris on May 17.
The 18-year-old Argentine had been given a "two percent" chance of playing by a club doctor as he battles a thigh injury, but Messi is more optimistic.
"I'm keen to play. After two months out and I can't bear it any longer. Perhaps I can play but nothing's certain," Messi said.
He has not played since March 7 when he tore right thigh muscle fibers in the Champions League game against Chelsea.
"You always want to play, it wouldn't be nice because I had been playing the whole time. It's a final and in a final everyone wants to play. I've just a little to go and I think this will be my last week. And if everything goes right then I can get going," added Messi.
Messi, who spent a week in Argentina last month, said he was sure he would be able to play in the World Cup in Germany.
"There'll be no problem about the injury. People in Argentina were very good with me. I'm fine, I'll be fine for the World Cup. There's no doubt. It's certain that I'll be 100 percent," Messi said.
source : CNN