Date: April 18–22, 2005Setting: Barcelona & RosarioMood: Anticipation, identity, and quiet dreams rising
April 18 – A Letter from the Homeland
The envelope sat on Messi's bed at La Masia when he returned from training.
It bore the crest of the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA). Inside: a folded letter. Hand-signed. Official.
"The coaching staff of the Argentina national football team cordially invites Lionel Andrés Messi to join the preliminary squad for the 2005 Copa América, to be held in Peru."
He stared at the words, unblinking.
Then closed his eyes.
And smiled.
April 19 – Rijkaard's Response
"Congratulations," Rijkaard said with a hand on Messi's shoulder."You're going to carry a nation someday."
"It's only the preliminary list," Messi replied.
"Leo…" Rijkaard's voice softened."They've already made their choice. Now it's time you choose yours."
April 20 – A Call Home
"They want me," Messi told his mother over the phone.
"Of course they do, mijo. You were born for this."
"I'm scared."
"That's how you know it matters."
Antonella wrote to him that same night:
If you wear the blue and white, do it for your abuela. For us. For the child inside you who never stopped believing.And always play like Rosario is watching.— Anto
April 21 – Media Storm
Argentine sports shows exploded.
TyC Sports:
"Messi joins the Copa América squad. Can he change our future?"
Olé:
"The prodigy returns home — this time to lead."
In Spain, it was no quieter.
Marca:
"Barça's boy becomes Argentina's man."
April 22 – The Meeting
Messi met with Barcelona's board. They reminded him of the U-20 World Cup in June, held just before Copa América. He could play either—but not both.
His answer was simple.
"I want to play with the seniors."
They nodded.
So did Rijkaard.
So did Ronaldinho, who gave him a Brazil jersey and said:
"We'll meet in Peru."
Notebook Entry – April 22, 2005
Anto,I never asked for this. I never demanded to be called. But I've always wanted it. Quietly. Deeply.Now it's real. The Copa América. The anthem. The weight.I don't know if I'm ready. But I'm going.— Leo
Lionel Messi – Updated Stats (as of April 22, 2005)
Season (Club):
Matches: 37
Goals: 27
Assists: 30
Free Kick Goals (Match): 2
Free Kick Goals (Training): 26
Dribbles Completed: 191
Fouls Suffered: 95
Career Totals (Club + Country):
Matches: 39
Goals: 30
Assists: 32
Dribbles Completed: 207
National Team Caps (Senior): 0
National Team Goals: 0
La Liga Standings (Pre-Matchday 27):
1st: FC Barcelona – 75 pts
2nd: Real Madrid – 69 pts
3rd: Sevilla – 67 pts
4th: Villarreal – 63 pts
World Football News – April 22
Premier League: Thierry Henry scores hat-trick for Arsenal; race for Golden Boot intensifies.
Serie A: Juventus hold onto top spot despite pressure from AC Milan.
Bundesliga: Klose becomes joint top scorer with 18 goals.
South America: Brazil announces Ronaldinho, Kaká, and Adriano will lead Copa squad.
FIFA Update: FIFA confirms 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year gala will be held in Zurich on December 19.
Ballon d'Or: France Football releases shortlist date: October 24, 2005.