ESPN Documentary Reveals: Argentina FA Frantically Called Everyone Named “Messi” to Secure Lionel Messi Amid Spain’s Attempt to Recruit Him

ESPN has produced a documentary about Lionel Messi, focusing on the process in which Argentina and Spain competed to secure his international future.

Although Messi was born in Argentina, he could have represented Spain. For Messi, playing for a country other than his birthplace was never an option. However, at a certain point in his career—when he was still relatively unknown in his homeland—Spain sensed an opportunity and hoped to secure his future for La Roja.

As Spain became involved, and news spread of the young talent from Rosario dominating in Barcelona’s youth system, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) panicked. What followed became almost legendary: after watching a video compilation of Messi’s performances, AFA officials frantically searched through phone directories, calling every person with the surname “Messi.” Once they found him, they quickly arranged a match in order to secure the prodigy for Argentina.

In 2000, 13-year-old Messi arrived in Barcelona and quickly stood out at La Masia. Barcelona youth coach Álex García and Messi’s teammate Víctor Vázquez could not understand why Argentina showed so little interest in him. Spain U19 coach Ginés Meléndez even assigned them the task of convincing him to represent Spain.

At the end of 2002, Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa and his assistant Claudio Vivas were in Barcelona as part of a scouting trip for senior national team players, and Messi came onto their radar.

When a video of Messi reached Argentina U17 coach Hugo Tocalli, the 2003 U17 World Cup in Finland was approaching. However, Tocalli decided not to include Messi in the squad. According to journalist Andrés Eliceche of El País, this decision ultimately triggered Argentina’s urgent push to call him up for the national setup.

After returning to Buenos Aires, Tocalli quickly acted to prevent Spain from securing Messi. AFA team manager Omar Soto was tasked with locating Messi’s family. At the same time, a friendly match was hastily organized, leading to a surreal situation: due to the urgent need for a FIFA-recognized referee, Argentine official Gabriel Brasenas was appointed to officiate an Argentina national team match. After this match, Spain could no longer attempt to recruit Messi.

ESPN also imagines an alternative timeline: in another reality, Messi could have been part of the Spain team that won two European Championships and a World Cup between 2008 and 2012. With him in the squad, they might have achieved even more. However, that version of history would mean missing one of football’s greatest stories—one that reached its peak when Messi finally lifted the World Cup with Argentina four years ago.