Date: February 3–6, 2005Setting: Barcelona & RosarioFocus: National team confirmation looming, personal reflections, Sevilla (2nd leg) buildup
The city was buzzing. Not with celebration, but with expectation.
The newspapers didn't just talk about Messi's winning goal anymore. They printed his face beside headlines like:
"The Future of Argentina?""Messi: Ready or Rushed?"
At La Masia, some kids whispered about him now instead of to him. The senior players gave respectful nods. And Rijkaard?
"Keep doing what you're doing. Nothing more."
But Messi could feel it — a quiet pressure in his chest, like an oncoming storm.
Argentina U-20 Selection: Finalization Imminent
The letter hadn't arrived yet. But Ferraro's handshake after the match said enough.
"You'll hear from us soon."
That night, Messi didn't celebrate.
He trained.
He stayed behind again — repeating his free kick routine, now from tighter angles and under simulated wall pressure.
Ronaldinho joined him.
"Remember," Ronnie said, "you don't need power. Just conversation with the ball."
Off the pitch, Messi kept writing in his notebook.Thinking of Rosario.Of Anto.Of his family.
He called home more often now. Fewer words. Longer pauses.
"They're going to call me," he finally said one night."I know."
"Then go make them proud," Anto whispered back.
Upcoming Match: Copa del Rey – Quarter-Final, 2nd Leg
Date: February 9, 2005Fixture: Sevilla FC vs. FC BarcelonaVenue: Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, SevilleAggregate: Barcelona leads 2–1Expectations: Aggressive press, hostile atmosphere, rotation likely
Messi was not guaranteed to start.
But Rijkaard made it clear:
"If we need clarity, we'll call on the quietest one."
Notebook Entry – February 6, 2005
Anto,The letter hasn't come yet. But the wind is different.Everywhere I walk, people look at me like I'm already someone. But I'm still the same.If they call me, I'll go. I'll play my heart out.But right now, I'm just a kid hitting free kicks in the rain with Ronaldinho.— Leo
Lionel Messi – Season Stats (as of February 6, 2005)
Appearances (Club): 25
Goals (Club): 14
Assists (Club): 14
Free Kick Goals: 1
Copa del Rey: 3 matches, 2 goals, 3 assists
Key Passes: 58
Dribbles Completed: 113
Yellow Cards: 0
Muscle Training: Core & upper body light definition progressing
Free Kick Practice Sessions Logged: 6
Media Presence: High – daily mentions across Catalan and Argentine outlets
Upcoming Milestones: Possible official national team call-up
Total Career Stats (Club + Country)
(as of February 6, 2005 — pending official Argentina debut)
Total Matches: 25
Total Goals: 14
Total Assists: 14
Dribbles Completed: 113
National Team Matches: 0 (pre-call stage)
National Team Goals/Assists: 0 / 0