How Superstar Lionel Messi Returned to Argentina

How Superstar Lionel Messi Returned to Argentina

June 11, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

The episode discusses Lionel Messi's challenging return to Argentina and explores themes of immigration and identity.

Lionel Messi left Argentina and became a soccer superstar playing in Spain. But when he came back home to play for the Argentina National Team, he had a tough time. NPR reporter and The Last Cup podcast host Jasmine Garsd talks about Messi’s return to his home club and the bigger story immigration, identity, belonging, and the meaning of coming home after time away.

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Host: Jasmine Garsd

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Organizations: NPR, The Last Cup

Places: Argentina, Spain

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