At the end of 2022, Lionel Messi completed his dream of winning the World Cup for the Argentina national team. It was the moment he dedicated his entire international career. But the tactical mastermind Luis De La Fuente would have loved La Pulga to play for another national team. The Spanish manager would have loved to coach the 36-year-old for La Roja.
The wish does not come as a surprise, as Lionel Messi spent most of his club career in Spain. So, it would be no surprise that many other fans of the country would agree with De La Fuente’s wish.
A former manager makes an astonishing wish regarding Lionel Messi
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There is no doubt that many current and former managers would love to coach Lionel Messi on their team. However, only some of them have got an enormous opportunity. In an interview, the Spain manager Luis Da La Fuente was asked which player he would coach. He instantly replied Lionel Messi. But, surprisingly, the 62-year-old wants him to manage him for the Spanish national team. The La Roja manager also had some intriguing answers to the other questions.
¿A quién ficharía Luis de la Fuente para la Selección?#SuperSuperCopa #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/Ex97inv2xh
— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) January 12, 2024
Yet, when asked about the GOAT in soccer, Luis Da La Fuente chose another Barcelona legend in the form of Johan Cruyff. The 62-year-old has been appointed manager after the poor performance in the World Cup 2022. La Roja was knocked out on penalties by Morocco after fine performances in the group stages. But under Da La Fuente, the team has done well with patterns of play visible on the field. After the World Cup debacle, the team lost only one game under his management.
The La Furia hopes to continue with the same form in Euros later this year. But as far as Lionel Messi is concerned, the forward could have played for Spain.
Read More:-Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Declines to Play Friendly Against FC Barcelona: Reports
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La Pulga does have a Spanish family connection
From his first call-up for La Albiceleste, La Pulga has given his full commitment to the country. However, should things have shaped up differently, Lionel Messi could have been starting games for La Roja.
Simply because the 36-year-old qualifies for citizenship in Spain because of his family connection. The great-grandfather of the World Cup winner was born in Balaguer, a province in Catalonia. Former Spain manager Vincent Del Bosque also has revealed that he tried his best to get La Pulga to switch his nationalities before he made his first appearance for the national team.
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Switching back to reality, Lionel Messi will hope to retain the Copa America later this year. Do you think he can lead the team to another trophy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.