Lionel Messi Reveals Why He Rejected Spain!
Lionel Messi opens up about the natural and respectful approach from the Spanish National Team during his early Barcelona years.BARCELONA, Spain — It is the ultimate "what if" in football history: What would have happened if Lionel Messi had chosen to represent Spain instead of Argentina? In a recent heartfelt interview on the Miro de Atrás podcast, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner confirmed that the possibility was very real, but his loyalty to his homeland was never in question.Approach from La RojaSpeaking with former teammate Nahuel Guzmán, Messi recalled the period when Spanish football officials first took notice of the "flea" tearing through the ranks at La Masia. ????️“At some point, the Spanish national team approached me. They tried to convince me," Messi admitted. "They hinted at it to me... and that’s only natural. I arrived in Barcelona when I was very young and I spent most of my teenage years there.”At the time, Spain was building what would become the most dominant international side in history, winning Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012. Had Messi joined that squad, the record books might look even more lopsided than they already do.Loyalty Over SilverwareDespite the tempting offer to join a team stacked with his Barcelona teammates, Messi’s decision was rooted in his identity.“I am Argentine,” Messi stated firmly.“There was a possibility that I could play for Spain, but my desire was always to play for Argentina. My dream was always to wear the Albiceleste shirt.”A Legacy CementedThe road to glory with Argentina wasn't easy. Messi faced years of heartbreak, including three consecutive lost finals, before finally leading his nation to Copa América (2021) and World Cup (2022) titles. For many fans, this revelation only adds to the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) narrative; choosing the harder path for the sake of true love and national pride.As Messi continues his journey in MLS with Inter Miami and looks toward the 2026 World Cup, this story serves as a reminder that his connection to Argentina is, and always has been, unbreakable.
