Messi Recalls Spain's Attempt to Recruit Him

Argentine star says he was approached to play for Spain's national team early in his career.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:48pm

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Lionel Messi has revealed that Spain's national team tried to convince him to play for them instead of Argentina when he was a young player coming up through Barcelona's youth academy. Messi, who has gone on to become one of the greatest players in Argentina's history, says he was approached by Spanish officials but his desire to represent his home country ultimately prevailed.

Why it matters

Messi's decision to play for Argentina has had a major impact on his legacy and the success of the Argentine national team, which he has led to numerous titles over the past two decades. This insight into the early stages of his international career provides an interesting look at how things could have unfolded differently if he had chosen to play for Spain instead.

The details

Messi revealed in a recent interview that Spanish officials had "hinted" at the possibility of him playing for their national team when he was first coming up through Barcelona's youth academy. At the time, Messi was eligible to represent Spain internationally, having moved to Barcelona from Argentina at age 13 for treatment to stimulate his growth. However, Messi said his "desire was always for Argentina" and that representing his home country was not something he seriously considered giving up.

  • Messi made his international debut with Argentina's U-20 team in 2004.
  • Messi won the U-20 World Cup with Argentina in 2005.

The players

Lionel Messi

Legendary Argentine soccer player who has starred for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Argentine national team.

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What they’re saying

“At one point it came to me. I was already playing at Barcelona, and they hinted at it. It's normal, it happens with many kids, or at least it did back then.”

— Lionel Messi

“Your desire was always for Argentina.”

— Nahuel Guzman, Podcast host

“Yes, always.”

— Lionel Messi

What’s next

Messi and Argentina are set to face Spain in the upcoming Finalissima tournament, which pits the reigning champions of South America against the reigning champions of Europe.

The takeaway

Messi's decision to represent Argentina over Spain has had a profound impact on his legacy and the success of the Argentine national team, which he has led to numerous titles over the past two decades. This insight into the early stages of his international career provides an interesting look at how things could have unfolded differently if he had chosen to play for Spain instead.