When Lionel Messi arrived at Barcelona's La Masia academy in 2000 at age 13, Spain's youth coaching staff immediately recognized a generational talent. Coach Ginés Meléndez tasked Barcelona coaches and teammates with convincing the Rosario native to play for La Roja instead of Argentina, exploiting his isolation from family in a foreign country. However, Messi was always clear about his preference: he wanted to represent his birth nation.

Horacio Gaggioli, one of Messi's early representatives, orchestrated a frantic solution. He worked with Barcelona journalist Jaume Marcet to compile a VHS highlight reel of Messi's best moments, which was delivered to Argentina's coaching staff during a trip to Barcelona. Marcelo Bielsa and assistant Claudio Vivas reviewed the tape, with Bielsa stunned to learn the footage was played at normal speed. "But this kid is unbelievable," he reportedly said.

The tape took two months to reach youth coach Hugo Tocalli, arriving just 15 days before the 2003 U17 World Cup in Finland. Tocalli opted not to call up Messi, believing the squad had already gelled after qualifying. Spain's youth team reached the semifinals of that tournament. Argentina eventually secured Messi's commitment, leading to his legendary career with La Albiceleste and their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.