Date: February 18–21, 2005Setting: Buenos Aires – AFA Ezeiza ComplexFocus: Messi's first match with Argentina U-20s, reactions from teammates, football news from Europe
Training Match: Argentina U-20 Intra-squad Friendly
The locker room was tense before kickoff. Not because it was an official match — it wasn't. Just a squad vs. squad practice game, blue shirts against white.
But every player knew:This was the test.
Messi tied his boots quietly. His shirt had no name yet — just a number: 18.He hadn't said a full sentence to anyone all morning.
Not because he was nervous.Because he was ready.
The match began like a storm.
Midfielders crunched into tackles. Wingers sprinted like they were running for contracts.
The defenders knew who they wanted to target.
"Get tight on the short kid," one yelled."Don't let him turn!"
They meant Messi.
But the first time he touched the ball, everything slowed.
Minute 5: The Statement
He received the ball in midfield, back to goal.
One touch to stop it.A feint left.A pivot right.Two players missed.
He darted through a gap, slalomed past a third defender, then chipped a pass into the box for his striker.
Tap-in.GOAL. Assist: Messi.
The players stopped running. Just for a second.
"Did you see that?" one muttered."He didn't even look up."
From the sideline, Coach Ferraro scribbled something down.
Minute 18: The Fire
He got the ball again on the right flank. Faked a pass. Then flicked the ball behind his standing leg and burst inside.
A defender caught him late — nothing dirty, just frustration.
He hit the ground hard. The whistle blew. But Messi didn't stay down.
He stood, rubbed the grass off his knees, and walked back into space.
No words.
Only play.
Minute 34: The First Goal in Blue and White
This time, he made his own space.
Tight triangle passing. One-two off the edge of the box. A shimmy.
Then, from 18 yards, curled with his left into the top corner.
GOAL. Messi.
No celebration.He just looked down at the crest on his shirt.Ran back. Focused.
Halftime Whisper
On the way back to the bench, one of the older U-20 players pulled Messi aside.
"Where did you learn to do that?"
Messi looked up, half-smiling.
"Rosario."
Europe – Football Headlines (February 2005)
Premier League: Chelsea remain top under José Mourinho — unbeaten in 20 straight matches. Frank Lampard, Drogba, and a 21-year-old Petr Čech lead a ruthless defense.
Serie A: Juventus and AC Milan locked in a fierce title race. Alessandro Del Piero showing flashes of old brilliance.
Bundesliga: Werder Bremen and Bayern fighting for top spot. Michael Ballack's long-range goals becoming signature.
La Liga: Barcelona remain 1st, but Real Madrid are close behind. Ronaldo (the Brazilian one) leads their scoring charts.
And from France?
A 17-year-old named Karim Benzema just made his debut for Lyon. Some call him the "next big striker."
Notebook Entry – February 21, 2005
Anto,The jersey felt light. I thought it would be heavy. But when I put it on… it felt like I'd worn it before.I scored once. Set up one more. It's only training — but it matters.Everyone is watching me now. Not just in Barcelona. Not just in Rosario.Everywhere.— Leo
Lionel Messi – Updated Stats (as of Feb 21, 2005)
Argentina U-20 (Training Friendlies):
Matches: 1 (unofficial)
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
Dribbles Completed: 8
Fouls Suffered: 4
Condition:
Fitness: 90%
Ankle: Stable, light soreness
Free Kick Practice: 2 more sessions (9 total); 2 goals scored in training
Total Career Stats (Club + Country)
Total Matches: 28 (incl. 1 U-20 friendly)
Total Goals: 17
Total Assists: 17
Dribbles Completed: 133
National Team Matches (Official): 0
National Team Goals/Assists (Official): 0 / 0