Ahmad Zein Salamo
Argentina moved decisively in 2004 to secure Lionel Messi’s international allegiance, preempting a potential move by Spain to recruit the young prodigy, according to revelations from former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman. The details emerged during an event hosted by the Argentine newspaper Diario Olé, as reported by The Athletic, shedding light on a pivotal moment in Messi’s career trajectory and the fierce competition for his services.
At the time, Messi, already residing in Spain and honing his skills at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy since the age of 13, was on the cusp of breaking into the Barcelona first team. The then 17-year-old’s exceptional talent had not gone unnoticed, attracting the attention of Spanish national team scouts.
Pekerman recounted his visit to Europe in 2004, where he overheard a conversation among Spanish national team staff regarding a highly promising 17-year-old forward. It soon became apparent that the player in question was indeed Lionel Messi. Spanish coaches expressed their regret at not having Messi in their youth squads, believing his presence would have significantly enhanced their chances of success in the U-17 tournaments. "The Spanish staff told us that if they had that kid (Messi) in their squad, they would definitely win," Pekerman stated.
At that time, FIFA regulations stipulated that if Messi had represented Spain at the U-17 level, he would have been permanently ineligible to play for any other national team, effectively ending any possibility of him representing Argentina.
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Upon his return to Argentina, Pekerman immediately contacted Hugo Tocalli, the coach of Argentina’s U-20 team. Tocalli was in the process of finalizing his squad for the upcoming South American U-20 Championship. "Why are you telling me now about a kid (to call up)?" Tocalli reportedly asked, surprised by Pekerman’s sudden recommendation. Pekerman clarified that his primary objective was not to include Messi in the tournament squad, but rather to solidify his commitment to Argentina.
"I told him, I don’t want him to play unless it is necessary, I just want him to play in a friendly game, sign the match report and send it to FIFA. That way, Spain can’t do anything anymore," Pekerman explained. "He is a player of the future. I can’t be wrong; he is the new dawn of Argentine football, a blessing. But because the documents were already prepared for him to play in the U-20 World Cup with Spain, which could tie him (to them), we had to hurry."
According to FIFA rules at the time, it wasn’t necessary for Messi to participate in a competitive tournament to be officially tied to Argentina. Simply appearing in a friendly match, even for a few minutes, would suffice. The Argentine Football Association (AFA), then under the leadership of Julio Grondona, swiftly organized a friendly match against Paraguay in Buenos Aires.
Messi made his debut for Argentina in the second half of that match, replacing Ezequiel Lavezzi. In a memorable performance, he scored one goal and provided an assist in Argentina’s dominant 8-0 victory. That match effectively sealed Messi’s international future with Argentina, preventing Spain from ever having the opportunity to secure his services.
Messi himself addressed the situation in 2018, revealing that a friend had once suggested that he might have already won a World Cup and European Championship had he chosen to play for Spain. "But it wouldn’t be the same. It was clear that it never crossed my mind. Winning with Argentina is something unique," Messi stated at the time.
Messi’s long-awaited triumph with Argentina finally came in 2022, four years after that conversation. He captained Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar, defeating France in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw that stretched through 120 minutes.
Context and Background:
Lionel Messi’s international career with Argentina has been a subject of intense scrutiny and high expectations. Despite numerous individual accolades, including a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, success with the national team proved elusive for many years. Prior to the 2022 World Cup, Messi faced criticism for Argentina’s repeated near misses in major tournaments, including defeats in the finals of the 2007 Copa America, the 2014 World Cup, and the 2015 and 2016 Copa America tournaments.
Argentina National Team Recent Performance:
Since their World Cup victory in 2022, Argentina has maintained a strong performance record. They have continued to be a dominant force in South American football, securing their place in upcoming international competitions.
Barcelona Team Stats and Recent Performance (2004):
In 2004, when these events transpired, Barcelona was in a period of rebuilding. The team, under manager Frank Rijkaard, was on the verge of a resurgence that would define much of the next decade. Key players at the time included Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o, and Xavi Hernandez. Barcelona finished second in La Liga during the 2003-2004 season and were laying the foundation for future success. Messi’s emergence into the first team would soon contribute significantly to Barcelona’s dominance in both domestic and European competitions.
FIFA Regulations at the Time:
The FIFA regulations regarding player eligibility for national teams have evolved over the years. At the time of the events described, the rules were more restrictive, requiring players to make a definitive choice early in their careers. This meant that even a single appearance in a friendly match for one country could preclude them from representing another country in the future.
Impact on Spanish National Team:
Spain’s failure to secure Messi’s allegiance has been a long-standing topic of discussion among Spanish football fans. While Spain enjoyed considerable success in the late 2000s and early 2010s, winning the European Championship in 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup in 2010, the absence of Messi from their ranks is often cited as a missed opportunity to achieve even greater dominance.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Argentina is scheduled to participate in the upcoming Copa America tournament, seeking to defend their title. They will also continue their qualifying campaign for the next World Cup. Barcelona is competing in La Liga and the Champions League, aiming to regain their position as a leading force in European football.
The decision made by Argentina in 2004 to prioritize securing Messi’s international commitment has undoubtedly shaped the course of football history, contributing to Argentina’s eventual World Cup victory in 2022 and solidifying Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
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Author Profile
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Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.
His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.
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