Messi on Spain's National Team: 'At One Point It Reached Me, They Insinuated It, But the Desire Was Always in Argentina'

Lionel Messi has shed light on a past opportunity to play for the Spanish national team, revealing that he was approached during his youth at Barcelona. However, the football icon unequivocally stated that his heart and ambition were always set on representing his native Argentina.

In an interview resurfacing in recent weeks, Messi recalled subtle "insinuations" from Spanish football officials during his time in Barcelona's youth academy. While acknowledging the possibility, he emphasized that his desire to play for Argentina never wavered. His father, Jorge Messi, actively maintained contact with Argentine youth selectors to ensure Messi's inclusion in national team call-ups, solidifying his commitment to the Albiceleste.

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At one point it reached me, they insinuated it to me, but the desire was always in Argentina.

Messi also reflected on the intense mental challenges of representing Argentina on the international stage. He specifically recalled the pressure during the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, describing the initial defeat to Saudi Arabia as a moment of uncertainty. He highlighted the crucial match against Mexico as a turning point, stating that winning it forged the team's mentality for the remainder of the tournament, ultimately leading to their victory.

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I said it, that match against Mexico was decisive for us and it was one of the ones we suffered the most.