Messi's Hat-Trick Revives Tale of Juventus Loan Attempt in 2005

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.