Messi Hits Ten Years On Argentina Colours

BUENOS AIRES: Star striker Lionel Messi's debut for Argentina lasted less than two minutes as he was sent off, shortly after coming on as a substitute against Hungary in August 2005. Since then, however, his career in national colours has been more unpleasant than festive for Messi as he completes 10 years for his country this August. 

It was a hot night in Budapest when then trainer, Jose Pekerman, sent on Messi to replace Lisandro Lopez. However, a clash with Hungarian defender Vilmoz Vanczcak saw referee Markus Mark show Messi the red card, spoiling the future prodigy's debut, reports Xinhua. 

Ten years on, Messi has not been able to replicate the success of a career in the country's youth teams, where he won the U-20 World Cup in Spain in 2005 and the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, with the U-23 squad.