How Messi’s decade of dominance almost never happened

There was a time when Lionel Messi’s path to becoming one of football’s greatest stars was far from certain. His early career was filled with challenges and important decisions that could have changed everything. Yet, each turning point helped shape the player who would go on to dominate world football for a decade. From his rise at Barcelona to his biggest achievements, Messi’s journey was anything but guaranteed. Keep reading to discover the key moments that nearly changed Messi’s remarkable career. 

He lacks the character to be a leader’

Maradona’s claim that Messi lacked the character to be a leader now looks completely different in hindsight. At the time, his quiet personality was often mistaken for weakness, especially when Argentina struggled to win major international trophies. Messi faced enormous pressure, constant comparisons with Maradona and criticism whenever he failed to deliver on the biggest occasions.

Over the years, however, Messi developed into the central figure of Argentina’s team and a respected leader on and off the pitch. His determination through repeated disappointments gradually changed the perception of his character, while his success with Argentina gave him the achievements many critics believed were missing.

A campaign, a statue and many apologies

Messi’s decision to leave Argentina triggered an immediate public campaign, with fans, teammates and officials urging him to reconsider after four straight final defeats. The reaction showed how deeply the country valued its record goalscorer, while the #NoTeVayasMessi movement quickly spread across social media and thousands gathered in Buenos Aires to show their support.

The response went even further when a statue was unveiled in his honour, while Argentina’s president personally asked him to ignore the criticism and continue playing. Looking back as a football writer, this moment stands out because it revealed how quickly public opinion could change around Messi, with even former critics eventually recognising his importance to the national team.

‘It reminded us how much we loved him’

Messi’s brief international retirement in 2016 revealed the extraordinary bond between the player and Argentina. His decision came after another painful final defeat, but the immediate reaction from supporters and officials showed that they still wanted their number 10 leading the national team. 

1. Messi’s 2016 retirement shocked Argentina fans and sparked an emotional campaign for his return.

2. His decision came after another heartbreaking Copa América final defeat.

3. Argentina supporters showed how deeply they valued Messi beyond his goals and assists.

4. Messi later helped Argentina win major trophies and finally ended the long wait for international glory.

5. His 125 goals in 207 appearances highlight the huge impact he has had on Argentina’s national team.

The emotional connection only became stronger as Messi continued his international career through difficult moments and eventually delivered major trophies. By the time he reached the later stages of his career, his importance to Argentina had grown far beyond statistics, with his 125 goals in 207 appearances reflecting a remarkable international legacy.

Messi’s Return Changed Argentina’s Story

Lionel Messi returning to the Argentina national team gave the squad fresh belief and helped change its direction after years of difficult results. His presence brought greater confidence to the team and played an important role in Argentina’s success in the Copa America and World Cup.

Messi’s influence was also visible through his leadership and ability to perform in important moments. His 207 caps and 125 goals highlight his long contribution to Argentina, while his return helped create a stronger and more confident team around him.

The Pressure of Leading Argentina

Lionel Messi faced enormous pressure while leading the Argentina national team, as supporters expected him to perform at the highest level in every major competition. The World Cup and Copa America created even greater expectations because every match carried the weight of Argentina’s hopes.

The pressure was not only about scoring goals but also about guiding the team through challenging moments. Messi had to use his experience, creativity and leadership to help Argentina remain focused when matches became difficult. Over time, his ability to handle these expectations became an important part of his international career.

From Final Defeats to International Glory

Messi turned years of final defeats with Argentina into international glory after returning from his brief retirement in 2016. He helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup, becoming a World Cup winner and twice Copa America champion.

1. Final defeats once defined Messi’s difficult journey with Argentina.

2. His return after retiring in 2016 changed the team’s direction.

3. Argentina won the 2021 Copa America with Messi leading the way.

4. The 2022 World Cup became the biggest achievement of his career.

5. Messi secured a lasting place in Argentina’s football legacy.

These achievements gave Messi a defining place in Argentina’s football legacy and changed the story of his international career. His success showed how his earlier disappointments were eventually followed by major trophies and historic moments.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s journey shows how a career filled with doubt, criticism and painful final defeats can eventually become a story of international glory. From questions about his leadership to his emotional retirement in 2016, Messi faced moments that could have changed his path with Argentina forever. Instead, he returned stronger, helped win the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup, and secured a lasting place in Argentina’s football history. His story is not only about goals and trophies but also about resilience, leadership and the determination to keep going when the pressure was at its highest.