Lionel Messi: Destiny (BBC 1 Saturday 3 June 2023)

Lionel Messi: Destiny airs Saturday 3 June 2023 on BBC 1.

How did Lionel Messi lead Argentina to a World Cup victory and cement his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats?

Qatar 2022 was Messi’s final opportunity to win the one major trophy he had never won before. He was 35 years old and competing in his fifth World Cup.

Argentine manager Lionel Scaloni and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez give fascinating interviews that reveal what went on behind the scenes in Qatar and how the team was constructed around Messi to allow him to play at his mesmerising best in the tournament’s crucial moments.

A new generation of young Argentine talent emerged in that camp, and they brought the best out of Messi, as revealed by the revelations of Julian Alvarez of Manchester City and Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton.

Rare behind-the-scenes footage and in-depth interviews with former players and journalists embedded with the Argentina squad reveal Messi’s transformation from a reserved goalscorer to a fearless leader, which is highlighted during Argentina’s tense quarterfinal match against the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup.

From an early loss to Saudi Arabia to Martinez’s heroic penalty kicks in the championship game, this documentary recaps Argentina’s rollercoaster tournament.

The story of how Messi won the World Cup and cemented his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats by defeating France in the final is told from the perspectives of the players who were there.

Lionel Messi: Destiny airs Saturday 3 June 2023 at 10.20pm on BBC 1

Featured Image Credit: BBC 1