MEssi's spectacular career has not been easy, as it is not reserved for a superstar like the Rosario native or any other professional footballer. Getting to the top is hard, but staying there year after year is even harder. However, if there is something that has been particularly difficult for Leo, it has been achieving glory with the Argentina jersey. And he did, of course.
MARCA America Leo Messi Award
On December 18, 2002, we witnessed one of the best World Cup finals of all time. Argentina and the Netherlands, the Netherlands of all time, fought a duel that is still etched in the memory of football fans. 2-2 at the end of the first 90 minutes, 3-3 at the end of extra time and 4-2 for Argentina after the penalty shootout. Finally, Leo Messi was crowned world champion with the Albiceleste, the only major title missing from his endless record. Needless to say, Messi was decisive in this final, scoring two goals plus another in the penalty shootout. MVP of the World Cup and the final touch of a historic championship, in which he broke the record for the player with the most appearances in a World Cup with 26, having participated in five editions.
But to reach this peak, Leo has not had an easy journey. The heavy burden of being the heir of the great legend of Argentine football, Diego Armando Maradona, has always accompanied him. Until finally, just like El Pelusa in Mexico in 1986, Messi led Argentina to conquer the coveted World Cup.
A tournament in which he had already participated in four other editions, with one elimination in the round of 16 (2018), two in the quarter-finals (2006 and 2010), and a lost final (2014 against Germany). The World Cup seemed cursed for Leo, but in Qatar he made his dream come true by lifting the Jules Rimet Cup with the Argentina jersey. Moreover, scoring seven goals to contribute more than anyone to the victory of Lionel Scaloni's team.
Debut… and red card
In August 2005, the young pearl of FC Barcelona made his debut for the national team during a friendly match against Hungary in Budapest. It was a preparation match for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. José Pekerman, the Argentine coach, brought him on in the 63rd minute, replacing Lisandro López. Leo wore number 18… and in less than a minute he was back on the bench after receiving a straight red card for slapping an opponent.
An action that the current captain of the Albiceleste has not forgotten: “I was only 18 years old and I thought I would never return to the national team. A lot of things go through your mind,” he said. -he commented in an interview with TyC Sports. But after this unfortunate debut, Messi rose to prominence within the national team, becoming an undisputed leader. 187 matches, 109 goals and 54 assists prove it.
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