PRETORIA (AFP) - Argentina were hit by concern over the fitness of star forward Lionel Messi as the diminutive Barcelona playmaker did not take part in training on Thursday.

Argentina tackle in-form Germany in the glamour tie of the World Cup quarter-finals in Cape Town on Saturday.

The South Americans claimed the little wizard has a cold and that he was kept out of training for precautionary reasons.

They also said that his participation on Saturday is not in doubt but a rumour was circulating among the press corps that the 23-year-old's problem could be a more serious fever.

The Argentine delegation refused to comment on that speculation and said only that his nose was blocked and that he trained alone in the gym while his team-mates played outside.

Argentina and Germany meet in a repeat of the quarter-final four years ago when the Europeans won 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw

Johan Cruyff has been stripped of his title of honorary president of Barcelona following the arrival of Sandro Rosell as president of the club.

Cruyff was given the title in April by former president Joan Laporta, but Rosell argued in his election campaign that the decision was undemocratic, claiming the club members should have been given the right to vote on such an appointment.

And Rosell, who secured a landslide election victory on 13 June and took over officially yesterday, has moved quickly to strip Cruyff of the title.

"On 26 March the board agreed to name Cruyff president of honour, but article 16 only contemplates members of honour," Toni Freixa, a spokesman for the new Barcelona board of directors, said. "It does not fit in with the statutes and they would have to be modified to contemplate such a figure."

Barcelona's members will now have the chance to vote on whether they want an honorary president and if so, who it should be. However, Cruyff will be recognised one way or another.

"Cruyff is a member of honour and a Barcelona legend. He will be recognised, as will all ex-players," Freixa added.