Several reports revisit a little-known episode from Lionel Messi’s early career involving a VHS tape and potential interest from Spain. The story says that Messi, before fully committing to representing Argentina, came close to considering a switch to Spain during his formative years. According to the accounts, the “forgotten” tape captures the context of that possibility, though it does not indicate that any formal commitment was completed. Instead, it is presented as a near-miss in the process of determining Messi’s international future. The resurfacing of the story is framed by the approach of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, which the outlets say adds extra significance to Messi’s international journey. Across the coverage, the central point remains that Messi’s path ultimately leads to Argentina rather than Spain, and that this VHS-related detail is recalled as part of his wider career history. The reporting focuses on the anecdote and its relevance to Messi’s development rather than on any confirmed official change of allegiance.