Prior to winning the Copa America in 2021, Lionel Messi's only international accomplishments were from the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2005 Youth Championships. It's interesting to note that both victories occurred against Nigeria, but the main focus of this piece is Messi's run to the Olympic gold medal in spite of Barcelona's opposition.
Barcelona's Attempt to Keep Messi Out of the Olympics in 2008:
After 16 goals and 16 assists in a season, Lionel Messi was starting to establish himself as a key member of Barcelona's squad in the summer of 2008. But Barcelona was having trouble; in the 2007–08 season, they came in third. The team was hesitant to allow Messi to go to the Olympics since they had a new manager in Pep Guardiola and needed to make the playoffs to qualify for the Champions League.
That summer, Guardiola took audacious decisions by selling top players Deco and Ronaldinho. Guardiola made the decision to let Messi depart after observing his discontent about being denied entry to the Olympics. During an interview with Juan Pablo Varsky, Messi gave his account of the incident.
According to Albiceleste Talk, Messi told the writer, "Nobody wanted me to go to the Olympics with the national team." We had barely started training when Pep showed in, and there was considerable discussion about whether I would stay or go to the Olympics. No matter what, we had to make it into the Champions League. He observed that I was upset during training since I wanted to compete in the Olympics. He's highly intelligent; nothing eludes him. I'm open and honest, so he soon came to know me. "Don't worry, we will qualify for the Champions League," he told me. We will enjoy the long year ahead of us, so go, win the Games, and come back.
Barcelona then advanced to the Champions League by defeating Wisla Krakow, a Polish team, in the playoffs. They achieved a historic sextuple the next season, winning the competition in addition to every other prize up for grabs. With 38 goals and 19 assists that season, Messi was named the world's greatest player for the first time, demonstrating that Guardiola made the right decision in putting Messi's pleasure first.
Messi during the Beijing Olympics in 2008:
Messi's performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics was outstanding; he tied the record for most games played with five goal contributions. Argentina advanced to the finals where they met Nigeria, who had defeated Belgium with ease in their semi-final encounter. Argentina had defeated Brazil in the semi-finals.
The match, which took place in Beijing National Stadium, was hotly contested. Without the game-winning goal from Angel Di Maria shortly before the hour mark, the match may have resulted in a tie. Argentina won the gold medal after Di Maria and Messi chipped the charging Nigerian goalie, Dele Ajiboye.
In summary:
Messi's 2008 Olympic gold run was a result of both his tenacity and Guardiola's astute leadership. Messi overcame Barcelona's early opposition to participate in the Olympics and lead Argentina to victory, securing his place among football history's greatest players.
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