Khaberni - The Argentine legend Lionel Messi revealed details of the phase in which he had the opportunity to represent the Spanish national team, before he decided to play for the Argentine team.
Messi joined the Barcelona Academy at the age of thirteen and progressed through all its age groups, which legally entitled him to later wear the Spanish jersey, especially after acquiring Spanish citizenship in 2005.
In an interview with the podcast Miro de atrás, Messi explained that the idea of representing Spain was indeed on the table in his early professional days, and said: "At a certain point, there was a possibility of playing with Spain because I was already playing with Barcelona… It is natural and happens with many young players."
Despite the sporting temptations, especially since Spain was on its way to forming a golden generation that later won the 2010 World Cup and the Euros in 2008 and 2012, Messi did not hesitate to make his choice early.
He affirmed saying: "Of course I am Argentine… My desire was always to play with Argentina."
Indeed, Messi was called up to represent the Argentina Under-20 team in 2005, and he chose to participate with "the Tango" instead of any other option, opening a new chapter in his international career.
Messi's choice was not just an emotional decision, but it turned into one of the greatest stories in the history of national teams, as he led Argentina to several major finals, before finally winning the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar, which completed his football legend.
He also won the Copa America 2021 title, ending years of waiting and confirming his loyalty to the jersey he chose from the beginning.
What if he had chosen Spain?
The hypothetical question remains present: What would football history look like if Messi had worn the "La Roja" jersey?
But the only certain answer is that his early decision to stick to his Argentine identity created a rare story of loyalty in the world of professionalism.
