“I Tried Everything To Get Messi To Play For Spain" - Ex Spain Boss Vicente del Bosque

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. 

“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." 

Leo Messi had been in Spain since the age of 13 and has dual nationality and qualified to play for Spain .

Source: Sportsbrief