Lionel Messi’s international debut for Argentina in 2005 is often remembered as a nightmare beginning for the player who would go on to become one of the greatest footballers of all time.
At just 18 years old, Messi was called up to the senior national team for a friendly match against Hungary at the Puskas Stadium in Budapest on August 17, 2005. Expectations were high as the young prodigy, already making waves at Barcelona, was seen as Argentina’s next big footballing hope.
However, Messi’s debut turned out to be far from the fairytale start many had anticipated. Brought on as a substitute in the second half, Messi’s time on the field was shockingly short-lived.
Just two minutes after entering the game, Messi received the ball and attempted to dribble past Hungarian defender Vilmos Vanczak. As Messi made a move to get around him, Vanczak tugged on Messi’s shirt, causing the young Argentine to instinctively raise his arm to fend off the defender.
Lionel Messi Debut for Argentina vs Hungary 2005
To everyone’s surprise, the referee interpreted Messi’s reaction as an intentional elbow and immediately showed him a red card. Messi, visibly devastated, walked off the field in tears, his international debut lasting a mere 47 seconds. It was an unfortunate and controversial decision that left many fans and pundits stunned.
Though Messi’s debut was disastrous, it didn’t foreshadow the legendary career that followed. Over the next two decades, Messi would establish himself as one of football’s all-time greats, winning multiple Ballond’ Ors and leading Argentina to Copa America and World Cup victories.
