Made his professional debut 20 years ago
©IMAGO
Only Lionel Messi himself was modest after his triumphant return to Argentine football soil. Almost a year after the 2-0 defeat in the World Cup qualifier against Uruguay and his last home appearance to date, Messi led the Albiceleste to a 6-0 (3-0) win against Bolivia – the fourth-highest win of this century.
The Argentinian captain scored three goals himself and prepared two, Messi perfected a magical night in the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on the next step towards the 2026 World Cup. “The electricity of love,” enthused “La Nacion”. Even two decades after his professional debut at FC Barcelona, which marks the 20th anniversary this Wednesday, Messi remains the Argentine’s linchpin.
“When I’m here, despite my age, I feel like a child because I feel comfortable in this team,” said Messi, now 37 years old. “As long as I feel good and can continue to play the way I want, we will continue to enjoy it.” And if “us” enjoys it, Messi in particular enjoys it. And then the environment is perfect for the eight-time world footballer.
Messi became world champion at the fifth attempt, Messi led Argentina to win the Copa América in 2021, while this year he suffered more from physical problems during the renewed title coup and had to watch the decision from the bench in the final while injured. He dropped out after that. And now he led Argentina to victory again after a 1-2 draw against Colombia and a 1-1 draw against Venezuela.
“Monumental Messi”: Captain does not set a deadline for his national team career
Spain’s “Marca” wrote about the “monumental Messi”. France’s “L’Équipe” celebrated a “sparkling Messi”. “The Rosarino showed his exceptional class in every action,” said “Pagina12” from Messi’s Argentinian home of Rosario. After ten match days, world champion Argentina is well on its way to the 2026 World Cup as the leader of the South American group with 22 points ahead of Colombia (19), Uruguay and Brazil (both 16).
Before the World Cup in Qatar with the great triumph, Messi had repeatedly emphasized that this would be his last World Cup. He had tried again and again since 2006, but had failed – often because of Germany. Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi has also become a title collector in the national jersey. “I haven’t set myself a date or a deadline,” said Messi about his future plans with the national team. “I just want to enjoy everything. I’m more excited than ever to be here and feel the love of the people because I know these could be the last games.”
20 years ago today: Messi celebrated his professional debut at FC Barcelona
The exceptional player played his first game at professional level on October 16, 2004 at Espanyol Barcelona. In the 1-0 win for Barça, Messi came on as a substitute in the 82nd minute for then-winning scorer Deco. He was 17 years old at the time and had previously trained at the La Masia youth academy for four years. His teammates at the time were Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, all of whom had already made their breakthrough. For Messi it was the beginning of a great career. For the Catalans he played 778 games, scored 672 times and added another 303 goals and won, among other things, ten Spanish championships and four Champions League trophies.
