During his early Barca days in 2004, he was asked to play for the Spanish under 20 national team which he refused. Messi stated “I was asked informally if I wanted to play for Spain.” After turning down this opportunity, he played for Argentina and led them to victory in the FIFA Youth Championship. Messi went on record to say, “I would have never played for Spain. I’m Argentinian and no one and nothing can change what I feel for the Argentinian colors.” It was a true disappointment for the Spanish people as Graham Hunter, in his book, ‘Barca – The making of the greatest team in the world’, stated, “Just imagine it for a second – Messi up front for this Spain team. He’d have been more appreciated, he’d have won more trophies, he’d have been playing with club-mates and friends and he’d have been far from the first Argentinian to jump ship to La Roja.”