Considering Messi's eligibility
I need to succinctly respond as the Codex CLI assistant. The user mentioned a claim about Messi almost playing for Spain in an U20 World Cup. It seems they’re searching for news or an explanation. Since there's no clear question, I should consider providing a summary or clarification about Messi's eligibility and Pekerman's coaching history.
While Messi could have played for Spain, he represented Argentina in the 2005 U20 World Cup, where he won accolades. Pekerman coached Argentina's youth teams and won multiple U20 World Cups.Exploring Messi's U20 history
In 2005, the U20 coach was Francisco Ferraro, while Pekerman was the senior national team coach during that period. He was involved in Messi's call-up for a friendly against Hungary, where Messi debuted and received a red card.
The claim that Messi almost represented Spain in the U20 World Cup is rooted in the attempts from Spain to persuade him, but he did not play official matches for them. While he did participate in some friendlies as well as play for Argentina's U20 team, he ultimately chose to represent Argentina.Summarizing Messi's decision
Messi was invited to join Spain's youth and senior teams, but he declined the offers. Pekerman could mention that Spain was close to calling him up for the 2005 U20 World Cup in the Netherlands. However, Argentina acted quickly to secure him for their youth team.
The user likely wants a concise news report with background information, so I'll provide key facts and a clear timeline about this situation, ensuring I use cautious language and avoid any unverified claims.Clarifying Messi's cap ties
Messi's first senior competitive match for Argentina was on September 3, 2005, during a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, where he debuted after coming on in the 67th minute. This cap-tied him to Argentina, despite having first appeared in a friendly match against Hungary on August 17, 2005.
I should remember to include disclaimers and offer quick Q&A or bullet points for clarity. I can also ask if the user would like sources for more detail. Keeping it concise will be key!Crafting key bullet points
I can summarize Messi's situation in 5-6 bullet points:
- Pekerman, as the head coach, worked with AFA to secure Messi for both the U20 team and senior friendlies.
- Spain's pursuit involved inviting him to youth teams, but Messi had dual nationality, gaining Spanish citizenship on September 26, 2005. However, he might not have had it during the U20 World Cup in June.
- Argentina allowed him to represent the U20 team in 2004 friendlies and later in the 2005 FIFA U20 Championship, where he was the top scorer.
- I should consider mentioning his achievements, the eligibility rules, and the significance of his decisions.
I can also ask the user if they prefer a brief note, a longer analysis, a timeline, or a comparison.
要点速览
- 佩克尔曼在接受采访时回忆，梅西在青年时期确实一度接近为西班牙出战U20赛事；当时他长期在巴萨青训，西足协多次接触，希望把他纳入西班牙青年队体系。 
- 阿根廷方面随即加速推进：先在青年队层面安排集训与比赛，随后在2005年让梅西参加荷兰U20世界杯。梅西最终选择并坚定站队阿根廷。
- 2005年U20世界杯，梅西率队夺冠并包揽金球奖、金靴奖，这次大赛基本锁定了他与阿根廷的绑定路径。 
- 按当时FIFA归化/归队规则，球员在未代表成年国家队出战正式比赛前仍有一定余地；阿根廷此后很快给了梅西成年队出场机会，消除了变数。
- 若当年梅西代表西班牙参加并继续沿该路径发展，后续国家队层面的历史走向可能被改写——这也是该话题常被提及的原因。
需要我补充相关权威采访或新闻链接，或做一条更完整的时间线吗？