Although Lionel Messi is synonymous with Argentina, his international career might have taken a completely different route. A three-year study by Italian researcher Fiorenzo Santini has uncovered that the global icon held eligibility to represent Brazil due to his maternal heritage.
As reported by Globo, the discovery centers on one of Messi’s great-grandparents, who originated from Ribeirão Preto in the state of São Paulo. This ancestor moved to Argentina in approximately 1905, where the family name Coccettini was eventually modified to the now-famous Cuccittini. Had circumstances differed, this ancestral link could have opened the door for Messi to play for Brazil instead of his home nation.
Messi eventually cemented his legendary status with Argentina, scoring 125 goals in 207 games. His tenure includes winning the 2022 World Cup, two Copa America titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a Finalissima. During the 2026 tournament, the 39-year-old continued his dominance by recording eight goals and four assists across eight appearances.
