Date: March 28–April 1, 2005Setting: Barcelona & RosarioMood: Anticipation, self-reflection, national pressure
March 28 – The Rumor Breaks
It began as a small story in Olé, Argentina's biggest sports paper:
"José Pékerman considering Messi for Copa América squad."
It quickly spread.
TyC Sports:
"Messi, 17, may debut for Argentina in June."
ESPN Argentina:
"Should Messi skip U-20 and go straight to the senior team?"
Back at La Masia, Leo sat quietly as teammates teased him.
"Big man now, eh?""Don't forget us when you're scoring in the World Cup!"
He smiled, but inside… he wasn't sure.
He didn't feel ready for the weight of an entire country.
March 29 – Rijkaard's Office
Rijkaard closed the door gently.
"You heard the news?"
Messi nodded.
"Argentina wants to take you early," Rijkaard said."You have the talent, Leo. But… you don't have to say yes yet."
"I don't want to go too fast," Messi whispered."I want to do it right."
"Then don't let others decide your timing."
Messi left the room with his heart pounding.
He had always dreamed of wearing the Argentina shirt.But now that it was close—he felt the pressure inside the dream.
March 30 – Rosario's Voice
That night, his mother called.
"They say you'll be in the Copa América!"
"They're just talking," Leo replied.
"Well, you better give them something more to talk about."
Then a pause. A softer voice.
"We're proud, mijo. No matter what you choose."
After the call, he walked outside La Masia, boots in hand.Sat on the bench. Looked up at the stars.
He imagined the blue-and-white stripes.The anthem. The silence before kickoff.The weight of a nation.
March 31 – The Silent Decision
The next day, Messi trained like it was any other.
But that night, he pulled out a notebook and wrote only one sentence:
"When the call comes, I will be ready."
April 1 – Argentina's Coach Speaks
In Buenos Aires, Pékerman finally addressed the media:
"Lionel is unique. We are watching him closely. Whether it is this summer or the next, he will wear our colors."
"But Argentina is not built on one player. It is built on the dream of eleven."
In Barcelona, Messi read those words twice.
Then went back to training.
And stayed late, working on free kicks and first touches under pressure.
Notebook Entry – April 1, 2005
Anto,People talk. Papers print my name. But I only listen to one voice—the ball.I'll wear the Argentina shirt. But not when they demand it. When I earn it.I want you to see me walk out with that jersey, proud and quiet, knowing I didn't skip steps.— Leo
Lionel Messi – Updated Stats (as of April 1, 2005)
Season (Club):
Matches: 34
Goals: 23
Assists: 27
Free Kick Goals (Match): 1
Free Kick Goals (Training): 18
Dribbles Completed: 172
Fouls Suffered: 84
Career Totals (Club + Country):
Matches: 36
Goals: 26
Assists: 29
National Team Caps (Senior): 0
National Team Goals: 0
La Liga Standings (After Matchday 23):
1st: Barcelona – 66 pts
2nd: Real Madrid – 63 pts
3rd: Sevilla – 59 pts
4th: Villarreal – 56 pts
World Football News – April 1
Premier League: Rooney scores again in a 3–1 win for Manchester United.
Serie A: Juventus, AC Milan remain neck-and-neck. Tension grows.
Bundesliga: Schalke overtakes Bayern Munich to go top.
South America: Argentine fans debate Messi's call-up across radio, press, and TV.
Africa: Nigeria's youth star John Obi Mikel impresses European scouts.