According to former defender Mariano Pernia, if he had chosen Spain instead of Argentina, Lionel Messi would have won the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
Messi lifted the 2022 World Cup with Argentina on December 18, 2022, in Qatar. Photo: Reuters
“I told everyone in Argentina that if Messi had chosen to play for Spain, he would have won two World Cups,” Pernia said on Flashscore on January 2. “Spain won the 2010 World Cup, so if Messi is in the squad, they will also win. The next tournament will be the same, because that is when he is at his best.”
Pernia also said that at some times, Argentina did not deserve Messi. At that time, Argentina did not have a squad and tactics good enough to be compatible with “number 10”, while some fans always criticized Messi after the defeat.
Messi came to Spain in 2000, when he was 13 years old. After many years of living here, “El Pulga” can completely play for Spain. However, he still chose Argentina and debuted in 2005. In his first four World Cup appearances, Messi reached the quarterfinals in 2006 and 2010, lost in the final in 2014 and lost in the 1/8 round in 2018. also finished second in Copa America in 2007, 2015, 2016, lost in the quarterfinals in 2011 and finished third in 2019. Messi only quenched his thirst for titles with the team at the age of 34, winning three consecutive Copa America 2021 titles, Intercontinental Super Cup 2022 and World Cup 2022 .
While Messi had late success with the team, most of his Barca teammates soon had their fill of titles with the Spain team . From 2008 to 2012, Spain consecutively won Euro 2008, 2012 and World Cup 2010.
Pernia was still playing for Spain at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Photo: AFP
According to Pernia, Messi always tries to learn and develop, even though on the outside he seems to know everything. He believes that M10 improves itself year after year, with a foundation of humility and progress. “Messi always adds things, and is never comfortable knowing he is the best player in the world,” Pernia added. “That’s how he became the best player in history.”
Pernia is the opposite case with Messi . The former Atletico full-back was born in Argentina, but played for Spain in 11 matches from 2006 to 2007. In 2006, Pernia joined Spain in the 1/8 round of the World Cup. This former defender’s father, Mr. Vicente Pernia, was a famous Argentine player in the period 1974-1977.
