Date: June 6–10, 2005Location: Barcelona → Buenos Aires → Utrecht, NetherlandsEvent: FIFA U-20 World Cup Preparation
June 6 – An Envelope and a Phone Call
After finishing the La Liga season, Messi expected to rest. But instead, he received a sealed envelope at La Masia.
"Convocatoria oficial: Copa Mundial Sub-20 – Selección Argentina"
His phone rang minutes later.It was Francisco Ferraro, head coach of Argentina's U-20 team.
"Lionel, we want you to lead this team in the Netherlands. You're ready.""Thank you, coach. I won't let you down."
June 7 – Departure from Barcelona
He packed lightly — boots, notes, family letters. Antonella had slipped in a photo of them at a local field in Rosario.
"Go win it all," she had written. "Make them remember your name."
At El Prat airport, a few fans recognized him. A boy handed him a small Argentina flag.
"Bring it home, Messi."
June 8 – Buenos Aires Briefing
Before flying to Europe, the full Argentina U-20 squad gathered in Ezeiza for a short tactical session.
Coach Ferraro stood in front of the players:
"You are not tourists. You are warriors. The world will watch. Messi may be the spark — but you are the fire."
The squad included names like:
Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors)
Sergio Agüero (Independiente)
Pablo Zabaleta (San Lorenzo)
Oscar Ustari (GK – Independiente)
Many knew Messi by name. Few had played with him. That would change fast.
June 9 – Arrival in Utrecht
They landed in the Netherlands to cool, drizzling skies. The team checked into a quiet hotel near Galgenwaard Stadium, where the final would be played.
Messi walked alone after dinner. He looked at the empty stadium through a fence.
"One day… I'll lift something big here."
His roommates, Gago and Zabaleta, teased him later:
"Practicing speeches already?""Just imagining," he smiled.
June 10 – Light Training and Media Frenzy
Argentina's session drew attention. Cameras followed Messi's every move. European journalists now knew him as "the boy who almost beat Chelsea alone."
Coach Ferraro spoke to the press:
"Messi isn't just a dribbler. He's a decision-maker. He'll show you."
In training:
Messi worked on short dribbles, sudden cuts, and penalties.
He stayed late to practice free kicks from tight angles.
A Dutch ball boy asked him for a selfie — Messi agreed and gave him his wristband.
Notebook Entry – June 10, 2005
Anto,I'm here. In the Netherlands. Argentina's colors on my chest. I feel… calm. Ready.They talk about me like I've already won. But this isn't about fame. It's about pride.Rosario. You. Our dreams. I'll carry them into every match.— Leo
Argentina's Group Stage Fixtures – Group D
June 11: Argentina 🇦🇷 vs. USA 🇺🇸
June 14: Argentina 🇦🇷 vs. Egypt 🇪🇬
June 17: Argentina 🇦🇷 vs. Germany 🇩🇪
World Football News – June 10, 2005
FIFA U-20 World Cup kicks off tomorrow.
Messi among top talents to watch — alongside Nigeria's Obi Mikel and Brazil's Diego.
Barcelona confirm Messi's permanent promotion to senior squad for 2005–06.
Ronaldinho gives Messi his blessing:
"He's going to rule the next decade."
Lionel Messi – Updated Career Totals (Club + Country):
Matches: 53
Goals: 50
Assists: 47
Dribbles Completed: 302
Free Kick Goals (Match): 4
Minutes Played: 3,626