Despite joining the La Masia youth academy at the age of 13, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner never thought about switching allegiance from Argentina
Lionel Messi insists he only ever had designs on playing international football for Argentina and was not tempted to represent Spain.
The Barcelona star has endured a mixed relationship with Argentina's support throughout his international career, with the fact he left home for Catalonia aged 13 sometimes used to argue he lacks true commitment to the cause.
Nevertheless, La Albiceleste are unquestionably indebted to their record goalscorer, whose sensational hat-trick against Ecuador last October salvaged qualification for Russia 2018.