Is messi italian ? Lionel Messi will line up against the Spanish national team on Tuesday evening as Argentina prepare for this year’s World Cup in Russia. The 2014 finalists play their second fixture of 2018 against a Spain side who drew to Germany on Friday evening, having beaten Italy 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium last time out.
Messi was named in the squad to travel to Manchester but played no part in the fixture, though is hopeful of a spot in the starting XI on Tuesday.
Could Messi have played for Spain?
With Italy out of the picture early on, it was a straight shootout between Messi’s country of birth, Argentina, and country of residence who he qualified for due to a Catalan great grandfather who was born in Balaguer, Spain, for his services.
Following Messi’s move to Barcelona, the club’s director of football, Carles Rexach, pushed for the Royal Spanish Football Federation to secure the future of the player.
It was Messi’s wish to represent Argentina, however, that caused the Argentine Football Association to make it official by arranging two under-20 friendlies in 2004, against Paraguay and Uruguay.
After three goals in those two games and 11 in his next 16 for the Under-20 team, Messi was promoted to the U23s and eventually the senior side.
“When I was a kid I expected to get a call from the AFA [Argentinian Football Association],” Messi said in his book, Messi, The Patriot. “I was asked informally if I wanted to play for Spain, but I always said that I wanted to play for my national team because I love Argentina and these are the only colours I want to wear.
“I was always an avid fan of the national team. I watched the games on television because I could never go to the grounds and watch them as a fan.”
Former Barca team-mate Cesc Fabregas has since backed Messi’s decision to pick Argentina over Spain, though believes La Roja have missed out as a result.
“It would have been phenomenal if Leo had played for Spain,” The Chelsea midfielder said. “We would have won more titles, but he always felt very Argentine and I think it was the perfect decision to play for his country.”
Could Messi have played for Italy?
Born Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini, the future Barcelona star’s parents both had Italian ancestry.
Messi would indeed have qualified for an Italian passport through his great grandfather, who moved from Recanati to Messi’s place of birth, Rosario, in 1883.
There is nothing on record to suggest that the Italian Football Federation attempted to persuade a young Messi to commit to the Italian set-up, however, and with both Argentina and Spain pushing for his services, it was never on the cards for him to don the royal blue of Italy.
Other Italian Argentine footballers
Raimundo Orsi, winner of five Serie A titles between 1930-1935, was also eligable to represent both countries, and made appearances for both. Orsi played for Argentina between 1924-1928 before switching allegiances for six years, winning the World Cup for the Azzurri, and even returning for Argentina duty for a game in 1936.
Dani Osvaldo, formerly of Roma, Juventus and Inter, also had a 14-appearance stint with the Italian senior side but was born in Lanus, Argentina.
Omar Sivori, Humberto Maschio and Antonio Angelillo, nicknamed the Angels with Dirty Faces, all played for both Argentina and Italy, as did Luis Monti, also formerly of Juventus.
Current Juve star Paulo Dybala is also eligible to play for both Italy and Argentina, as well as Poland, but chose to commit to the Albiceleste.
“I feel 100 per cent Argentinian, though I look foreign with these pale eyes,” Dybala previously told La Repubblica. “When I had to choose, I had no doubts. I didn’t make any calculations. I know that I’d have less competition for Italy or Poland, but I want to play for Argentina and I never asked questions or thought about switching sides.
“I wouldn’t be happy in a national team that didn’t feel like mine, to hear an anthem that isn’t my own, in colours that don’t belong to me. My friend Franco Vazquez has an Italian mother. I only have an Italian passport thanks to a great-grandmother who I know nothing about. He feels Italian, I don’t.”
He’s Italian, ten facts you never knew about Lionel Messi
Watching a lot of celebrities come into their career is like watching a popular drama as it continues to unfold. It could be something worth watching, a story that could turn into something successful or something that might flop horribly depending on the narrative.
So far Messi has been able to create a career that has seen him rise with each passing year and continue to maintain the level of fame that he’s developed while still hitting a bump in the streets of Argentina now and again.
He’s been one of the Last masia talents that came out and has done great things with what he’s had and many people have responded in a positive manner towards his artistic football, creating a buzz around his career that has continued to build it up with every new follower. In the coming years it might be interesting to see just how far he’ll go probably retire before 40.
Here are a few things about Messi you might not have known
1) Multi-Talented
One of Messi’s hidden talents is playing the piano.
2) Tattoos
Messi has the names and baby handprints of his sons tattooed on his legs. His right arm and left leg are almost entirely covered in tattoos.
3) Book Worm
Messi’s favorite book is El Martín Fierro by Jorge Luis Borges. It’s an Argentinian classic filled with poetry about an outlaw.
4) Best Buddies
Messi grew up with two older brothers, and would always try very hard to keep up with them. He is quoted as saying, “I’ve always had a great relationship with my two brothers, I have always had their support in my football and in everything. They’ve been very close to me and we have a great relationship.”
5) Argentina
Argentina is filled with people from both Latin American and European heritage. Messi’s ethnic heritage is Italian, but his first language is Spanish.
6) Fingers In The Air
Every time he makes a goal, Messi uses both hands to point up to the sky. Apparently, this is his way of thanking God every time a goal happens.
7) Lionel Messi went to Las Heras for elementary school. Messi was playing soccer at a very young age. Lionel did not attend college because his potential was identified by FC Barcelona.
8) Dual Citizenship
Messi plays for both FC Barcelona in Spain and for the Argentinian national team. In 2005, Messi became an official citizen of Spain.
9) Messi’s favorite color is red.
10) Messi’s favorite meal is escalope Milanese, which is Milan’s signature dish of veal with a side salad.
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