Lionel Messi almost played for Brazil? Investigation uncovers incredible family link that changed football history

Few names are as closely associated with Argentina as Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has become the face of Argentine football, leading the nation to its historic 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph and establishing himself as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.

However, a fascinating new investigation has revealed that football history could have taken a very different turn. According to a detailed report, Messi had ancestral ties to Brazil, raising the intriguing possibility that the legendary forward could have been eligible to represent Argentina’s fiercest football rivals under different circumstances.

Investigation traces Messi’s maternal roots to Brazil

According to a three-year investigation conducted by historian Fiorenzo Santini and published by Brazilian newspaper Globo, Lionel Messi’s maternal family has historical connections with Brazil.

The research states that Messi’s maternal great-great-grandfather, Ranieri Coccettini, was born in San Severino Marche, Italy. In 1899, Ranieri and his wife, Rosa Richezza, reportedly emigrated to Brazil, where their surname underwent changes before the family settled in São Paulo and later Ribeirão Preto.

During their stay in Brazil, two of their children, including Ardirigo, were born there in 1904.

The family later moved to Rosario, Argentina, in 1905, where future generations—including Celia Maria Cocchietini, Messi’s grandmother—were born. Rosario would eventually become the birthplace of Lionel Messi himself in 1987.

Historian Santini said he was able to establish the family connection through official documents linked to Celia Maria Cocchietini, while adding that there is no evidence suggesting the family remained in Brazil after relocating to Argentina.

ALSO READ : ICC Revamps 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifiers: Major Format Changes Announced… Here’s What It Means for Teams

Italian heritage on both sides

The investigation also highlights Messi’s strong Italian heritage through his father’s family.

His paternal great-great-grandfather, Angelo Messi, reportedly hailed from Recanati, Italy, before emigrating to Rosario in 1893.

As a result, the football superstar’s ancestry reflects a blend of Italian, Brazilian, and Argentine family history.

Spain also tried to convince Messi

Interestingly, Brazil was not the only nation that could have seen Messi wearing its colours.

After moving from Argentina to join FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy at just 11 years old, Messi eventually became eligible to acquire Spanish citizenship, opening the possibility of representing Spain at the international level.

Reports suggest that the Royal Spanish Football Federation made attempts to persuade the young prodigy to switch his international allegiance.

However, Messi remained firm in his decision, making it clear that he wanted to represent Argentina, the country where he was born and where his football journey began.

A decision that shaped football history

Looking back, Messi’s choice proved to be one of the defining moments in international football.

The legendary forward went on to become Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer, winning the Copa América, the Finalissima, and finally lifting the FIFA World Cup, completing one of the most celebrated careers in football history.

While the latest investigation offers a fascinating glimpse into his family’s migration history, Lionel Messi’s legacy will forever remain intertwined with the sky-blue and white jersey of Argentina, where he fulfilled a lifelong dream and cemented his place among football’s greatest icons.