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Messi First World Cup Age
When Lionel Messi made his senior World Cup debut for Argentina in the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany, it signalled the start of a long-term legacy on the global stage. He had earned his first senior cap the previous year and was one of the youngest players in the squad at just 18 years of age. According to records, he played three matches and registered one goal and one assist. Although Argentina exited in the quarter-finals after a penalty shoot-out loss to the host nation, Messi’s performances provided an early indicator of his future
Messi Football Jerseys and Kits
The Road to the Tournament
International Debut and Selection
Messi’s senior debut for Argentina came in August 2005 at the age of 18. The national team coach called him up as a young emerging talent, and his selection for the 2006 World Cup marked a rapid rise. He was included in Argentina’s final 23-man squad for the tournament. Coach José Pékerman opted to build the team with both experienced players and promising youngsters; Messi featured both as substitute and occasional starter during the tournament.
Tournament Role and Context
In the 2006 tournament Argentina were placed in Group C alongside Ivory Coast, Netherlands and Serbia & Montenegro. Messi’s involvement was limited but meaningful: he came on as a substitute in several matches, enabling his integration into the squad. His contributions included a goal and an assist across approximately 121 minutes played. His goal came on 16 June 2006, when Argentina defeated Serbia & Montenegro 6–0, making him the youngest Argentine to score at a FIFA World Cup at age 18 years and 357 days. The fact that Argentina progressed to the knockout stage but were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Germany on penalties framed this tournament as both a launch and a learning ground for Messi.
Performance Summary
Statistical Highlights
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 3 matches |
| Goals | 1 goal |
| Assists | 1 assist |
| Minutes played (approx.) | 121 minutes |
Even at this early stage of his World Cup career, Messi demonstrated impact in limited minutes and laid foundations for future tournaments.
Key Moments
- He scored his first World Cup goal against Serbia & Montenegro at age 18 years, 357 days, becoming Argentina’s youngest World Cup scorer.
- He provided an assist in the tournament, demonstrating his dual role as scorer and creator.
- Argentina’s elimination in the quarter-final represented a useful experience platform for Messi’s subsequent campaigns.
Significance for Fans and Collectors
Jersey Era Value
For fans of the Argentina national team jersey and of Messi memorabilia, the 2006 World Cup period holds particular appeal:
- Messi wore the number 19 shirt at that World Cup, prior to adopting the iconic number 10 in later years.
- The Argentina kit from the 2006 tournament is a historic purchase point: owning it connects directly to Messi’s first global tournament exposure.
Check out the official Argentina national team kits on jerseys4pro and select those tied to early Messi years for historical value.
Contextualising the Early World Cup Chapter
- The 2006 tournament represents Messi’s introduction to global tournament football; subsequent tournaments (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) followed his development.
- For newer jersey collectors, “Messi in 2006” provides a narrative: youthful talent, first major tournament, early marker of great things ahead.
- Given the significance of the number 10 shirt that Messi later wore, the era in which he wore number 19 adds nuance and value to a collection.
Comparative Perspective with Later Career
Messi’s World Cup journey extended far beyond 2006, culminating in victory in 2022. In contrast with his early tournament:
- In 2006 he appeared three times; by 2014 he featured in all matches and was a central figure; by 2022 he led Argentina to the trophy.
- His goal and assist count improved in subsequent tournaments, marking the progression from promising youth to global leader.
Thus, the 2006 World Cup can be seen as the seed of a decades-long tournament story, and the jersey from this era can serve as a collector’s cornerstone for tracking his evolution.