Argentina s former coach reveals the inside story of "stealing Messi": Friendly matches lock nationality, Spain regrets it

At the 2025 Ole Summit, the words of former Argentine coach Jose Pekerman detonated the football world - 19 years ago, it was he who planned a "textbook-level man-stealing operation" to lock Messi's Argentine nationality in a friendly match and directly cut off the Spanish team. Looking back now, this seemingly "risky" decision not only allowed Argentina to gain the best player in history, but also created a football legend.

caught the eye at first sight! At the age of 17, Messi became a "must-have"

The story begins in 2004. The then 17-year-old Messi had already made a name for himself in Basala Masia's youth training. More importantly, because he had lived in Spain in his early years, he was already qualified to represent the Spanish national team, and even the registration procedures for the Spanish U20 team had been completed.

Pekerman has been eyeing Messi since he was playing for the Spanish youth team. The words from the Spanish coaching staff, "This kid can change the game," made him more determined that "Messi must be kept in Argentina." "I told assistant coach Tokali at the time that this is a gift from God to Argentine football and is the core of the future. He must not be allowed to run away!" Pekerman recalled.

But the problem lies before us: Argentina's U20 team has already finalized the U20 World Cup roster. There is only one month left before the start of the game. According to common sense, there is no way to add people at short notice. But Pekerman had an idea and came up with a key trick: "There is no need to play a formal match, just arrange a friendly match, let him appear on the stage, sign a match report and submit it to FIFA, so that he will belong to Argentina forever!"

A friendly match will last a lifetime! 17-year-old Messi used his performance to slap doubters in the face

In June 2004, the friendly match between the Argentina U20 team and the Paraguay U20 team was held as scheduled. This seemingly inconsequential game to the outside world became a key battle that changed the history of football. The 17-year-old Messi came on the bench wearing a blue and white jersey and proved Pekerman's vision with a stunning performance.

Messi, who appeared as a substitute in the midfield, not only scored a wonderful goal, but also sent two assists, helping the team win with a dominant performance. As this game was officially registered by FIFA, the Spanish team completely lost the possibility of recruiting Messi. Pekerman later confessed: "I even talked to the chairman of the Football Association and said that the players themselves also want to play for Argentina. We must win this 'gamble'."

The legend continues! 115 goals in 19 years, Messi repaid trust with championships

Looking back now, this "robbery operation" can be called the most successful decision in the history of Argentine football. Up to now, Messi has played 196 games for the Argentine national team, scoring 115 goals, becoming the team's history's top scorer. He has also led the team to complete the "Grand Slam of Honor": the 2005 U20 World Cup championship (individual Golden Boot + Golden Goal), the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medal, the 2021 America's Cup championship, and the 2022 Qatar World Cup championship. This Hercules Cup has fulfilled the Argentine's 36-year dream, and also made Messi a complete king.

From traveling to Spain to treat illness and play football at the age of 13, to being "snatched" by the Argentine Football Association as a nationality at the age of 17, and then becoming the GOAT in football, Messi's story contains Pekerman's vision, Argentina's obsession, and a player's deep love for his motherland. As Pekerman said at the summit: "At that time, I just felt that I could not miss the genius. Now I understand that we are not only protecting a player, but also a football legend belonging to Argentina."