Emerging
Jun 18, 20261
59%
Messi's Hat-Trick Revives Tale of Juventus Loan Attempt in 2005
%2Fi.s3.glbimg.com%2Fv1%2FAUTH_da025474c0c44edd99332dddb09cabe8%2Finternal_photos%2Fbs%2F2024%2Fb%2F6%2FobXVBaT0iPlel64f03FA%2Fsnapinsta.app-452365726-1006381707430666-5884206071341498334-n-1080.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Lionel Messi's hat-trick against Algeria in the 2026 World Cup has revived memories of a 2005 attempt by Juventus to loan him from Barcelona, as recounted by coach Fabio Capello and former player Mauro Camoranesi. Capello's request was denied by Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard, leaving the potential move unrealized.
%2Fi.s3.glbimg.com%2Fv1%2FAUTH_da025474c0c44edd99332dddb09cabe8%2Finternal_photos%2Fbs%2F2024%2Fb%2F6%2FobXVBaT0iPlel64f03FA%2Fsnapinsta.app-452365726-1006381707430666-5884206071341498334-n-1080.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
%2Fi.s3.glbimg.com%2Fv1%2FAUTH_da025474c0c44edd99332dddb09cabe8%2Finternal_photos%2Fbs%2F2024%2Fk%2FV%2FZxh4icQ0K3xKWs4YtNyQ%2Fsnapinsta.app-454721516-1478760022754804-4621704348652801659-n-1080.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
%2Fi.s3.glbimg.com%2Fv1%2FAUTH_da025474c0c44edd99332dddb09cabe8%2Finternal_photos%2Fbs%2F2024%2F5%2Fp%2FcPfnqVSemvs0gJAZgmBA%2Fsnapinsta.app-361080746-4237919356433560-3169644257384478821-n-1080.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
%2Fi.s3.glbimg.com%2Fv1%2FAUTH_da025474c0c44edd99332dddb09cabe8%2Finternal_photos%2Fbs%2F2024%2Fo%2F8%2F1U46eDRAyI4kBpBc3tpw%2Fsnapinsta.app-445540039-1614108765795145-5957141282328631826-n-1080-1-.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
%2Fi.s3.glbimg.com%2Fv1%2FAUTH_da025474c0c44edd99332dddb09cabe8%2Finternal_photos%2Fbs%2F2024%2F6%2Fg%2F6rNy9lR3Si5OfQpn1jTw%2Fsnapinsta.app-378765676-990691672153636-1692663090666358342-n-1080.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Quick Facts
Who
Lionel Messi
What
hat-trick by Messi against Algeria
When
2026 World Cup
Where
Camp Nou, Barcelona
- hat-trick by Messi against Algeria
- Juventus loan attempt for Messi in 2005
- Capello recalled approaching Rijkaard for loan
- Camoranesi recounted Capello's praise for young Messi
- Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi's stunning hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's opening match of the 2026 World Cup has brought back to life a little-known story from 2005, when Juventus tried to secure the teenage star on loan from Barcelona. The episode was recounted by former Juventus and Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello, who turned 80 this week, and corroborated by former Juventus midfielder Mauro Camoranesi.
The incident dates back to the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 24, 2005, when a young Messi started for Barcelona at Camp Nou for the first time. His dazzling performance impressed Capello so much that the Italian coach approached Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard during the first half to request Messi's loan. Rijkaard refused, keeping the future legend at the Catalan club.
Capello later said: "There is no regret. Barcelona played a smart move to overcome the restriction. I had seen there was something special in him." Camoranesi, who played in that friendly for Juventus, recalled that Capello had identified Messi's talent even before the game, telling teammates a week earlier that Messi would become one of the world's best players—a rare exception to Capello's usual caution with young talent.
"Capello had a saying: if a young player is good, let him prove himself and then we buy him, even if we have to spend more. That way he ensured good performance. But with Messi it was different. He reflected all that week saying this guy would do important things in football," Camoranesi told Goal in 2016. He added that Messi would have been the best in Serie A as well, had the move materialised.
Although the loan never happened, Messi went on to become one of the greatest footballers in history. His hat-trick in the 2026 World Cup—breaking multiple records—has now revived the "what if?" debate, while also showcasing the keen eye of Capello and the missed opportunity for Italian football.
Why This Matters
This story highlights the 'what-if' moments in football history, offering insight into how early talent recognition and club decisions shape the careers of legends. It also underscores the contrasting trajectories of Serie A and La Liga, and the impact of a single manager's refusal on the sport's landscape.
Timeline & Sources
Aug 24, 2005
WireJoan Gamper Trophy friendly: Barcelona vs Juventus; Messi starts for first time at Camp Nou; Capello requests Messi's loan, denied by Rijkaard.
Jun 17, 2026
WireMessi scores hat-trick against Algeria in 2026 World Cup, breaking multiple records.