LIonel Messi is one of the best football players in history, leaving his mark at both club and international level. The Argentine star won everything with Barcelona and could win the World Cup with his country in 2022, but that was the only thing he was missing. But in his early days, there was a choice that could change everything, and Leo had to choose which country he would represent.
In a recent interview, Messi explained that he had received an offer to play for the Spanish national team, but the number 10 was adamant that his heart was in Argentina and that he did not regret his decision.
Messi reveals he received an offer to play for Spain national team
In an interview with the Milo de Atlas podcast, Messi explained that having moved to Europe at a young age and growing up in Barcelona’s youth ranks, it was natural for him to be a possibility for the Spain national team. However, despite the appeal of the proposal, his decisions were always guided by emotion.
It could have happened. But no, you’re right…I’ve always been…my heart has always been with Argentina
“There was a moment when it became a topic. I was already playing for Barça, and they hinted at it, suggested it… It’s normal, right? It happens to a lot of kids,” Messi began.
The Argentine star added: “At that time, I was Argentine but I moved to Barcelona very young and I trained most of my time in Barcelona’s youth system, so it was possible. It could have happened. But no, you know…I always…my heart was always with Argentina.”
Not everything was easy for Messi in Argentina
He is currently the all-time leading scorer and the player with the most appearances on the national team, but his journey there has not been easy. Messi recalled that his team’s humanity was their biggest support, even during tough defeats such as the 2014 World Cup final and Copa America final.
“At national team level, we always had a good group. In the 2014 team under Coach Sabella, the group was great. I always enjoy comparing things the same way, even though we lost in the World Cup final. We were unlucky. We didn’t become world champions, but we made it to the final,” said the Inter Miami player.
Even during even more turbulent processes such as the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he emphasized the good relationships between teammates.
“After that, we also reached the Copa America final twice. And in the course of the game against Russia, everything became even more complicated due to the circumstances and the result, but the group was still good and we got along very well,” Leo added.
