Date: February 22–24, 2005Setting: Split between Argentina U-20 camp & BarcelonaFocus: Messi's rise gains international buzz; Ronaldinho injury changes club dynamics
In the cafeteria at Ezeiza, the radio was always on. Crackling with old tangos, match commentary, or morning headlines. That morning, it wasn't just any update.
"Reports from Catalonia suggest 17-year-old Lionel Messi, currently with Argentina's U-20s, may be fast-tracked into Barcelona's starting eleven..."
The players around him froze.
"Fast-tracked?" one repeated. "He's already there, no?"
Another laughed nervously.
"They mean... full starter. Not just the kid with cool touches."
Messi kept eating.
Rice. Grilled chicken. Water.
His face unreadable.
But his pulse? It drummed louder now.
Behind the Headlines
The news was out.Not officially — but the whispers had turned into headlines in Europe.
SPORT, Marca, and L'Équipe ran stories:
"Barcelona's Jewel Training in Argentina""Ronaldinho Injury: Will Messi Rise?""Messi: Maradona's Heir?" (this one he hated most)
Even an English article surfaced:
"The Boy Who Left for Growth Hormones May Be Football's Next Giant"
He didn't read them.But Ferraro handed him a newspaper anyway.
"This is your world now," the coach said. "You don't get to pretend anymore."
Messi nodded.
But later that night, he carefully folded the paper and hid it in the back of his notebook.
Back in Barcelona – February 23
Ronaldinho winced as he walked off the training pitch, hand gripping his thigh.
"Minor strain," the doctor said."But he won't play the semi-final."
Rijkaard didn't blink.
"Then we don't change the system. We change the name."
The assistants looked confused.
"Messi?" one asked."He's with Argentina."
Rijkaard just nodded.
"We'll call him back early. If he agrees."
The Call
Messi answered the phone after training.
Rijkaard's voice was calm as ever.
"We need you for the semi-final."
Messi didn't ask who was injured.He didn't ask why.
He just said:
"Send the flight details."
Argentina Training – Final Day Before Departure
The U-20 players formed a circle around Messi. Some clapped him on the back. A few whispered things like "You better score for us too," and "Don't forget us when you're famous."
He smiled, finally.
"I haven't done anything yet," he said.
One of the younger wingers — lean, quick, talented — pulled him aside.
"What's it like there? In Europe?"
Messi thought a second.
"Fast. Cold. But the ball is still round."
They laughed. The laughter stayed with them, even as the bus to the airport rolled away.
Flight Back – February 24, 2005
This time, Messi sat in business class.
The flight attendant recognized him.
"You're the boy they're talking about, right? The one from Rosario?"
He nodded.Smiled faintly.
"Do you miss it?" she asked.
He looked out the window. Lights below flickered like fireflies.
"Sometimes. But I still carry it."
Camp Nou – February 24 Evening
The lights were dim when he arrived. Not a match night. Just ground staff brushing the sidelines. The scent of fresh-cut grass and damp nets.
He walked onto the pitch alone.
A kit manager handed him a sealed package. Inside: the squad list for the Copa del Rey semi-final.
Number 30.Starting XI.No Ronaldinho. No Giuly.
Just Messi — as the right forward in a 4-3-3.
He looked up at the empty seats.
"You ready?" the kit man asked.
Messi whispered, more to the grass than to the man:
"Yes."
Meanwhile in World Football – February Headlines Continue
Premier League: Wayne Rooney scores twice as Manchester United closes in on Chelsea. Arsenal drop points against Crystal Palace.
Serie A: Kaka shines for AC Milan in a 3–1 win over Roma. Juventus hold top spot by a point.
Bundesliga: Lukas Podolski's name begins to trend after another brace for FC Köln.
Ligue 1: Lyon open a five-point lead at the top, powered by a teenage Benzema and Juninho's pinpoint free kicks.
South America: Boca Juniors prepare for Copa Libertadores. Rumors of Carlos Tevez moving to Europe resurface.
And in Argentina?
"Messi: Called Home. Called Up."
Notebook Entry – February 24, 2005
Anto,I'm flying back. They want me to start against Betis in the cup.Ronnie is injured. It's not how I wanted it to happen, but maybe… maybe this is the moment.I'll wear the shirt like it's Rosario grass under my feet.I'll listen to the game. Not the crowd. Not the pressure.I hope you're watching. Because I feel like I've finally earned the sky blue — and the red and blue.— Leo
Lionel Messi – Updated Stats (as of Feb 24, 2005)
Season (Club + Argentina U-20 Friendly):
Total Matches: 28
Goals: 17
Assists: 17
Dribbles Completed: 133
Free Kick Goals: 1 (Match), 3 (Training)
Fouls Suffered: 61
National Team Matches: 0 (official)
Physical Status:
Fully fit
Light core training during Argentina camp maintained
Free kick routine consistent