The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, this Sunday (19), puts two Albiceleste players on the field with a direct, though little known, link to Italy. Lionel Messi e Giuliano Simeone They are also Italian citizens, each by a different path.
Messi has citizenship by descent and family roots in the Marche region. Simeone was born in Rome, when his father, Diego Simeone, played in Italian football.
The stories are different, but they reveal how Italian immigration and the ties between Italy and Argentina also feature among the protagonists of one of the most important matches in world football.
Messi and his roots in Recanati
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi's surname carries a history linked to Italian immigration. His paternal ancestor, Angelo Messi, left Recanati, in the region of the Brands, and left for Argentina sometime in the 19th century.
The lineage ensured the Argentine number 10 received recognition from Italian citizenshipMessi is also registered in the AIRE of Recanati, the registry of Italian citizens residing abroad.
The connection with the small Italian town took a curious turn in 2019, when the municipality sent the player his electoral documents. which would allow their participation in European and municipal elections.
In football, however, Messi's international career has always been linked to Argentina, although Spain emerged as a real possibility during his youth.
Messi moved to Barcelona as a teenager and could have followed the path of the Spanish national team. The country's federation even showed interest in signing the player, while the Argentine Football Association accelerated his call-up to the youth teams.
In 2004, Messi made his debut for the Argentine under-20 national team. From then on, his path was set. Years later, he would become captain and one of the greatest symbols in the history of the Albiceleste.
Giuliano Simeone, the Roman from Argentina
Giuliano Simeone's connection to Italy begins at birth.
The son of coach Diego Simeone, Giuliano was born in Rome in 2002, a period when his father was playing for... LazioTherefore, he holds Italian citizenship in addition to Argentinian citizenship.
Despite his ties to Italy, Giuliano built his international career wearing the Argentine jersey.
The striker played for Argentina's under-23 team and competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics before joining the Albiceleste's senior squad.
Thus, Messi and Simeone arrive at the final representing Argentina, but also carrying a particular connection with Italy. One through the history of a family that crossed the Atlantic towards South America. The other for having been born precisely in the Italian capital.
