Los Angeles Times' tough editorial against the Argentine national team: "It forever tarnished their image"

On November 12, 2005, Lionel Messi sat on the bench during Argentina’s friendly match against England in Geneva, unable to take to the pitch. The 18-year-old was suspended following his red card in a previous game against Hungary, which had occurred 87 days earlier during his debut with the national team. Despite being called up for a double friendly fixture, he was forced to miss the first one due to disciplinary reasons. The match, held under drizzling rain at the Stade de Genève, saw Messi quietly observe from the substitutes' bench, accompanied only by a few officials from the Argentine Football Association among the 29,000 spectators. His presence, though unnoticed by many, symbolized both his early struggles and the growing support he received from fans and officials alike. The suspension stemmed from a controversial incident during Argentina's 2–1 victory over Hungary on August 17, 2005. Messi, playing for the senior squad, was shown a second yellow card after a challenge that drew the ire of referee Markus Merk. This led to his temporary ban from international competition, a punishment that would later shape the trajectory of his career. In the months leading up to this match, Messi had already made waves on the world stage. He had been instrumental in Argentina’s run to the FIFA U-20 World Cup final in Holland, scoring six goals and providing two assists in seven matches. That tournament marked the beginning of his legendary status with the national team. Despite his absence from the field, Messi remained deeply connected to the team. Just days before the match in Geneva, he played for Barcelona in a friendly against Getafe, entering the game at the 23rd minute. Though he did not score, his performance earned praise from teammates, including a brief exchange with fellow Argentine players who encouraged him to continue progressing. This moment, captured by reporters, highlighted the early camaraderie and mutual respect within the team, even as Messi faced personal challenges off the pitch. Meanwhile, the match itself was a historic encounter. Argentina, led by coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, entered the game with a strong lead, holding a 2–1 advantage until the 88th minute. England, however, struck twice in quick succession through Michael Owen, who scored two headers to secure a 3–2 victory. The result was a bitter defeat for Argentina, marking their last meeting with England until 2024, when Eriksson passed away. The loss underscored the emotional weight of the moment, especially for Messi, who had missed the opportunity to play and would not see England again for nearly two decades. In the broader context of Messi’s early career, the 2005 match against England was just one chapter in a story that would eventually define him as one of football’s greatest players. Earlier that year, Messi had delivered a standout performance in the U-20 World Cup quarter-final against Spain, a match that remains a defining moment in his career. On June 28, 2005, in the De Grolsch Veste stadium, Messi scored a goal that would become legendary. With the ball still in the air, he controlled it with his right foot, then turned to strike it with his left, finishing with precision to put Argentina ahead. This goal, along with several others, helped Argentina advance to the final, where they defeated Nigeria to win the title. That victory set the stage for Messi’s rise on the global stage. By the time he reached the senior level, he had already established himself as a key figure in Argentine football. Yet, even as his reputation grew, so too did the pressures surrounding his future. During this period, Spain attempted to lure Messi away from Argentina, offering him opportunities to represent them instead. Spanish coach Ginés Meléndez, a long-time mentor to young talent, sought to convince Messi to switch allegiances, believing he could help Spain achieve success. However, Messi remained steadfast in his commitment to Argentina, a decision that would ultimately shape the course of his career. The tension between Argentina and Spain over Messi’s allegiance reflected a larger narrative about identity and belonging in football. While Messi had lived much of his childhood in Spain, his heart belonged to Argentina, a country that had nurtured his talent from an early age. This sentiment was reinforced by his close relationships with coaches and teammates in Argentina, including figures such as José Pekerman, who had long advocated for Messi’s inclusion in the national team. These connections, combined with Messi’s deep-rooted ties to his homeland, ensured that his path remained firmly rooted in the Argentine jersey. As the years progressed, Messi’s journey continued to unfold, shaped by moments like the 2005 match against England and the U-20 World Cup triumph. Each experience contributed to the foundation of a legacy that would eventually culminate in unprecedented success, both for himself and for the nation he represented. The events of 2005, while seemingly minor in the grand scheme of his career, remain pivotal in understanding the early stages of a legend who would soon redefine the sport.