Ex World Cup Winning Coach Reveals How He Wanted Messi to Play for Spain

• Vicente del Bosque wanted to create a monstrous-looking Spain side with Lionel Messi at the core
• In Spain since the age of 13, Leo Messi had dual nationality and qualified to play for Spain
• He is regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time having won a plethora of titles including the World Cup

Former Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has disclosed how he tried to convince Lionel Messi to switch his nationality.

Messi, who was born in Rosario, Argentina, qualified to represent Spain at the international level due to his dual nationality.

Del Bosque, who coached Spain between 2008 and 2016, was bent on adding Messi to his star-studded La Roja roster which included Messi's clubmates at the time.

However, the patriotic Messi, who will lead Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar, declined the opportunity.

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“I tried everything to get Messi to play for Spain. However, Lionel refused because of the love he has for his country," Del Bosque told Radio Marca per GSFN.

When quizzed about the possibility of representing Spain, Messi, it was never an option, as he himself said via Bleacher Report.

"I would have never played for Spain. I'm Argentinian and no one and nothing can change what I feel for the Argentinian colours."

Ex-Spain boss backs Messi's Argentina

With the excitement and tension truly building ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the head coach of Spain Luis Enrique has thrown his weight behind Argentina to win the soon-to-start Mundial if La Roja fails to achieve the ultimate.

Argentina has not won the World Cup since 1986 but there is a strong chance Qatar 2022 could be their year.

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Despite being included by Opta as one of the frontrunners for the coveted trophy, Spain boss Luis Enrique reckons if his side fails to win their second world title he fancies Argentina to go all the way.

Messi sets enviable records

Sports Brief earlier reported that Lionel Messi did not just win the World Cup with Argentina for the first time in his career, the 35-year-old did so by breaking many records in Qatar.

Messi scored twice as Argentina overpowered France in the World Cup final, albeit winning 4-2 via penalties following an enthralling 3-3 draw after extra time.

According to Daily Post, the Guinness World Records disclosed that Messi broke five records in a post via its website following the conclusion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament last weekend.