Spain Nearly Recruited Lionel Messi Before Argentina Secured Him

As of July 2026, Lionel Messi is synonymous with Argentina, holding national team records for appearances (202) and goals (123), and revered as a national hero who led Argentina to a World Cup victory after 36 years. However, a new ESPN documentary titled "The Lost Tape" reveals a lesser-known chapter in Messi's early career when Spain nearly convinced him to play for their national team.

Messi moved from Rosario, Argentina, to Barcelona at age 13 due to growth hormone treatment support from the club. Despite his rising star status in Barcelona's youth academy La Masia, Argentina's youth national teams overlooked him, unaware of his talent in the early 2000s. Meanwhile, Spain's youth coach, Gines Melendez, recognized Messi's potential and enlisted close associates like Barcelona youth coach Alex Garcia and friend Victor Vasquez to persuade Messi to join Spain's youth squads.

Despite repeated efforts, including offers to keep his options open until age 21, Messi remained committed to Argentina. Argentina's football association eventually tracked down Messi's family, leading to his debut for Argentina's U20 team in June 2004 during friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay, marking the start of his legendary international career.

The documentary highlights the "what if" scenario of Messi playing alongside Spain's golden generation, which won the European Championships in 2008 and 2012 and the 2010 World Cup. While Spain succeeded without him, and Argentina benefited greatly from his choice, the story underscores how small historical shifts, like a single VHS tape, can alter football history and global narratives.

"The Lost Tape" is available on Disney+, offering insight into one of football's greatest near-misses and the delicate turns of fate that shaped Messi's legacy.