Historic family investigation reveals Lionel Messi could have played for Brazil
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Lionel Messi was reportedly eligible to represent Brazil through his maternal ancestry.
- The Argentina captain also qualified to play for Italy and Spain.
- Spain tried to recruit Messi, but he chose to represent Argentina.
The revelation comes from a three-year investigation into Messi's maternal family history, uncovering previously overlooked ancestral links that may have entitled him to Brazilian citizenship alongside his well-known eligibility for Italy and Spain.
Historic research uncovers Brazilian roots
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Italian historian Fiorenzo Santini traced one of Messi's maternal great-grandparents to Ribeirão Preto in São Paulo state, where they were born around the turn of the 20th century.The family reportedly emigrated to Rosario, Argentina, in approximately 1905.
Santini's research suggests those family ties could have provided Messi with a legal pathway to Brazilian citizenship, making him eligible to represent Brazil at international level.
The investigation also revealed that the family's original surname, Coccettini, was officially changed to Cuccittini after settling in Rosario, a spelling that remains associated with Messi's maternal side today.
Italy and Spain were also genuine possibilities
Brazil was not the only alternative available to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.Messi also qualified for Italy through his family heritage, whilst Spain became another realistic option after he moved to Barcelona as a 13-year-old and progressed through the club's famed La Masia academy.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation made a determined attempt to persuade the young forward to switch his international allegiance before he made his senior debut for Argentina.
Former Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque later reflected on those efforts.
The Federation made every effort to get Messi to play for Spain. Lionel refused because he loves his country.Ultimately, Messi chose Argentina, a decision that helped shape one of the greatest international careers in football history.
His arrival would have been for the best. Messi is Messi - there is only one. It would have been a dream to coach him.
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World Cup final ends in heartbreak
The research has resurfaced shortly after Messi captained Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.La Albiceleste fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Spain, ending their hopes of retaining the world title.
Even so, the 39-year-old enjoyed another outstanding tournament, contributing eight goals and four assists as he once again proved decisive throughout Argentina's run to the final.
Those performances further strengthened his legacy as one of the country's greatest-ever footballers.
What's next for Messi?
With the international season temporarily on hold, Argentina's players are enjoying their summer break before returning to club duty.The national team is expected to regroup during the September and October international windows, although no fixtures have yet been officially confirmed.
Meanwhile, Messi is expected to focus on Major League Soccer with Inter Miami whilst continuing to assess his international future following another memorable World Cup campaign.
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