June 5, 2008: Argentina's 4-1 victory over Mexico was just another day at the office for Lionel Messi. A goal and an assist further underscored the hype surrounding this young starlet, who would go onto reign supreme at the highest echelons of European football for the next 15 years.
But for Jonas Gutierrez, it was a day that he'll never forget. Not only did he make his debut for Argentina, but he also joined his soon-to-be Newcastle United teammate Fabricio Coloccini on the pitch.
The pair amassed a respectable 61 caps combined for Argentina - less than half of the 171 times that Messi has sported the famous blue and white stripped jersey of La Albiceleste.
It is now nine years since Coloccini last featured on the international stage, and a further 11 years since Gutierrez played his final game for Argentina. But while extraordinary talents such as Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero have come and gone, Messi has still remained.
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And in his 172nd and potentially final cap, the seven-time Ballon D'Or winner has one more chance of lifting the one trophy that he eluded his sparkling trophy cabinet: the World Cup!
At the age of 35, Messi has reminded the world that he is still capable of the impossible. The Paris Saint-Germain superstar has notched five goals and three goals at this World Cup, and while the talents of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani appeared to fade in Qatar, Messi has ensured that his light is still shining as bright as ever.
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