LEO MESSI says Spain call-up was possible, Argentina remained his wish | OneFootball

LEO MESSI has said Spain were a genuine option early in his career, though his heart was set on Argentina. Speaking on the Miro de Atrás podcast, he explained how the chance emerged while he was a Barcelona youngster.

He recalled being sounded out while in the club’s youth ranks, describing it as common for many players then. Having moved to Barcelona very young and completed much of his development there, he said the possibility existed and it could have happened.

Spain and Argentina first intersected for him at the 2003 Under-17 World Cup, when Spain came from behind to beat Argentina in the semi-final. Messi did not feature, with coach Hugo Tocalli declining a late addition despite a recommendation from Claudio Vivas, then Marcelo Bielsa’s assistant between 1998 and 2004.

He credited long-time AFA official Omar Souto with connecting his family to the federation, paving the way for his involvement with Argentina’s set-up. Souto’s intervention proved pivotal in guiding him towards the national team.

Jorge Messi compiled a 12-minute Barça TV edit that reached Vivas, who then contacted Souto. Souto spoke to Messi’s father and quickly arranged an official FIFA meeting so Spain would not move first. Messi stayed out of negotiations while his father handled discussions.

Spain and Argentina meet again on Friday 27 March in the Finalissima at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. The Euro 2024 winners face the Copa América 2024 champions, with Argentina also the reigning world and Finalissima holders after a 3-0 win over Italy in 2022. Lusail staged four Argentina matches at the 2022 World Cup, including the final against France.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo