Lionel Messi returns to Ezeiza 22 years after first national team call-up

Lionel Messi has returned to the Ezeiza training complex in Argentina, marking a symbolic moment 22 years after his first call-up to the national team. In 2004, Messi was a virtually unknown prospect when the Argentine Football Association (AFA) contacted FC Barcelona to request his inclusion in the Under-20 squad. At the time, the request was sent via fax and referred to him as ‘Leonel Mecci’ due to a lack of familiarity with the young player.

Former AFA manager Omar Souto and coach José Pekerman noted that the urgency to secure Messi for Argentina was driven by the fear that Spain might attempt to recruit him. Messi made his debut for the national team in a friendly against Paraguay shortly after that initial arrival.

Today, the training complex bears Messi's name, reflecting his journey from an obscure youth player to a central figure in one of Argentina's most successful footballing eras. Messi recently joined his teammates under coach Lionel Scaloni, expressing a desire to enjoy his remaining time with the squad.