Lionel Messi could have played for Spain

Having arrived in Barcelona at the age of just 13, Lionel Messi shaped his career in Blaugrana colours, becoming one of the greatest names in world football. But the Argentine forward could have taken a completely different path: representing Spain on the international stage.

Guest on the Miro de Atrás podcast, Messi confirmed that the possibility had been offered to him early in his career. “Yes, it happened, because I played for Barcelona. I was told about it, but it’s normal, it happens to many kids. I am Argentine, even though I left for Barcelona at a young age. The possibility existed, and it could have happened, but my wish has always been to play for Argentina”, he explained.

Despite his Spanish and Italian origins and his dual nationality, Messi chose to stay faithful to the Albiceleste, leading Argentina to numerous successes, including the 2022 World Cup, and engraving his name forever in the history of South American football.