2005 FIFA World Youth Championship final

2005 FIFA World Youth Championship final Stadion FC Utrecht - Bunnikside.jpg Stadion Galgenwaard (pictured in 2006) where the match was played 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship Argentina ARG 30px 2 Nigeria NGA 30px 1 2 July 2005 Stadion Galgenwaard Utrecht Terje Hauge (Norway) 24,500 2007 The 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship final was the final match and culmination of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, hosted by the Netherlands. The game was played at the Stadion Galgenwaard in Utrecht on 2 July 2005, and was contested between Argentina and Nigeria. The match was won by Argentina 2–1, obtaining their fifth FIFA U-20 World Cup. It was the last final of a World Youth Championship, becoming FIFA U-20 World Cup in the 2007 edition in Canada.Tolmich Ryan Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Erling Haaland and the superstars who have dominated the U20 World Cup https://www.goal.com/en-au/lists/messi-haaland-maradona-superstars-u20-world-cup/blt26f71fa4ec62ea25 23 January 2026 Goal.com 18 May 2023 Background + Argentina results Round Opponent ResultGS Group stageUSA 0–1GS Group stageEGY 2–0GS Group stageGER 1–0R16 Round of 16COL 2–1QF Quarter-finalsESP 3–1SF Semi-finalsBRA 2–1 The 2005 World Youth Championship saw the professional debut of Lionel Messi in Argentina's national team.Edwards Daniel 'I asked Leo, what was your name?!' - The day unknown Messi fired Argentina to World Cup glory https://www.goal.com/en/news/i-asked-leo-what-was-your-name---the-day-unknown-messi-fired-argentina-to-world-cup-glory/926se63t34i819xzjc99ias8d 23 January 2026 Goal.com 1 May 2020Messi's 20-year Argentina rollercoaster https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/lionel-messi-international-debut-anniversary 23 January 2026 FIFA 16 August 2025 He had previously played a friendly match against Paraguay U20 which ended in a 4–0 victory for Argentina at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona, organised only to guarantee Messi's allegiance to Argentina, as he was also sought in Spain. + Nigeria results Round Opponent ResultGS Group stageBRA 0–0GS Group stageKOR 1–2GS Group stageSWI 3–0R16 Round of 16UKR 1–0QF Quarter-finalsNED 1–1 (10–9)SF Semi-finalsMAR 3–0 The Argentines were seeking their fifth U-20 title, having previously won the tournament in 1979 in Japan, in 1995 in Qatar, in 1997 in Malaysia, and in 2001 in Argentina.Nemer Roy Argentina U20 national team facts https://mundoalbiceleste.com/2023/05/19/argentina-u20-national-team-facts-2001-2005-2007-finals/ 23 January 2026 Mundo Albiceleste 19 May 2023 In 2005, Argentina was pooled into Group D, along with the United States, Germany, and Egypt.World Youth Cup (U-20) 2005 (Netherlands) https://www.rsssf.org/tablesw/wyc05.html 23 January 2026 RSSSF 2005FIFA World Youth Championships: US upset Argentina https://en.mercopress.com/2005/06/11/fifa-world-youth-championships-us-upset-argentina 23 January 2026 MercoPress 11 June 2005 The opening match saw Argentina lose to the United States 0–1 with a goal scored by Chad Barrett in the 38th minute. The team recovered from the loss in the second group match by defeating Egypt 2–0, with Messi scoring his first goal in the tournament.Sub-20: Argentina se recuperó tras vencer 2 a 0 a Egipto https://www.infobae.com/2005/06/14/189955-sub-20-argentina-se-recupero-vencer-2-0-egipto/ 23 January 2026 Infobae 14 June 2005 es Argentina ultimately advanced to the knockout stage by winning the last group match against Germany 1–0.Sub 20: los pibes argentinos le ganaron a Alemania https://www.infobae.com/2005/06/18/190930-sub-20-los-pibes-argentinos-le-ganaron-alemania/ 23 January 2026 Infobae 18 June 2005 es Nigeria had been pooled into Group F, alongside Brazil, South Korea, and Switzerland. The Nigerians were known as a strong youth team seeking their first youth title, having defeated Argentina at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta in the gold medal match.Udoh Colin Nigeria's Flying Eagles look to erase bad memories at U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile https://africa.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/46384432/nigeria-flying-eagles-look-erase-bad-memories-u20-fifa-world-cup-chile 23 January 2026 ESPN 29 September 2025 Nigeria held a 0–0 draw with Brazil in the opening match,U20 WORLD CUP: Brazil defeat Flying Eagles in last group game https://rayve.ng/2023/05/u20-world-cup-brazil-defeat-flying-eagles-in-last-group-game.html 23 January 2026 Rayve Nigeria 28 May 2023 losing to the South Koreans 1–2 in the second match,Korea’s youth team stuns Nigeria https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2005/06/16/socialAffairs/Koreas-youth-team-stuns-Nigeria/2582113.html 23 January 2026 Korea JoongAng Daily 16 June 2005 and defeating Switzerland 3–0 in the closing group match.Argentina busca el pentacampeonato de la categoría sub 20 ante Nigeria https://www.elterritorio.com.ar/noticias/2005/07/02/44010-argentina-busca-el-pentacampeonato-de-la-categoria-sub-20-ante-nigeria 23 January 2026 El Territorio 2 July 2005 es In the knockout stage, Argentina won the Round of 16 match against Colombia with a last-minute goal by Julio Barroso.El Sub-20 le ganó a Colombia en el último minuto https://www.infobae.com/2005/06/22/191642-el-sub-20-le-gano-colombia-el-ultimo-minuto/ 23 January 2026 Infobae 22 June 2005 es The albiceleste went on to defeat Spain 3–1 in the quarter-finals,Portillo Miguel España se despide del Mundial sub'20 https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2005/06/24/futbol/1119638668.html 23 January 2026 El Mundo 24 June 2005 es and Brazil in the semifinal with a last-minute goal by Pablo Zabaleta.Un aperitivo que salió con fritas https://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/deportes/8-53025-2005-06-29.html 23 January 2026 Página 12 29 June 2005 es The Nigerians defeated Ukraine in the Round of 16 by the minimum margin and the hosts Netherlands in the quarter-finals after a penalty shoot-out ending 10–9.Zúñiga Ricardo Sub20: Nigeria avanza a cuartos de final https://www.lmtonline.com/lmtenespanol/article/Sub20-Nigeria-avanza-a-cuartos-de-final-10301680.php 23 January 2026 Laredo Morning Times 21 June 2005 esNigeria, Argentina Reach U-20 Football Semifinals https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2005-06-25-voa35/302567.html 23 January 2026 Voice of America 25 June 2005 In the semifinal, Nigeria easily defeated Morocco 3–0.Ugorji Bantus Nigeria/Morocco: F/Eagles Dump Morocco 3 - 0 https://allafrica.com/stories/200506290065.html 23 January 2026 Daily Champion allAfrica 29 June 2005 Match The final match took place at the Stadion Galgenwaard in Utrecht on 2 July 2005 before 24,500 spectators.History Book: Day Nigeria bowed 1-2 to Messi Inspired Argentina in 2005 U-20 World Cup Final https://sportsration.com/history-book-day-nigeria-bowed-1-2-to-messi-inspired-argentina-in-2005-u-20-world-cup-final/ 23 January 2026 Sports Ration 30 May 2023 Norwegian referee Terje Hauge was appointed for the final, with assistant referees Steinar Holvik and Ole Hermann Borgan, also from Norway. The fourth official was Benito Archundia of Mexico.Argentina ARG 2 - 1 NGA Nigeria https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/u20worldcup/netherlands2005/match-center/91020052 23 January 2026 FIFA 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20210902044636/https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/u20worldcup/netherlands2005/match-center/91020052 2 September 2021 The match opened in the 40th minute, after Messi dribbled to the goalkeeper's area and was brought down by Dele Adeleye. Messi subsequently scored the penalty kick himself.El día que Messi metió 2 goles y Argentina le ganó la final del Mundial Sub 20 a Nigeria https://www.pagina12.com.ar/553927-el-dia-que-messi-metio-2-goles-y-argentina-le-gano-la-final-/ 24 January 2026 Página 12 30 May 2023 es In the second half, Messi had early chances at goal, but a growing Nigerian defence blocked another goal for Argentina.Nigeria 1-2 Argentina http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/4643649.stm 24 January 2026 BBC Sport 2 July 2005 A rapid advance by the Nigerians equalised the match in the 53rd minute, when Chinedu Obasi scored a goal with a flying header after assistance from the right by Olubayo Adefemi.When Messi went to the U-20 World Cup https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/u20worldcup/chile-2025/articles/lionel-messi-u20-world-cup 24 January 2026 FIFA 2025 The draw tensed the match, with the Nigerians advancing further and putting the Argentines at risk. Three substitutions in Argentina refreshed the team, with Sergio Agüero reaching deep into the Nigerian area and falling to the ground after being fouled by Monday James and giving Argentina another penalty kick in the 85th minute. Messi sent the ball towards the left side and tricking goalkeeper Ambruse Vanzekin to his right. The Nigerians angrily protested the penalty to Hauge, arguing that no foul at all had been committed on Agüero. The last minutes showed desperation on Nigeria's players, with left-back Taye Taiwo being shown a yellow card for a deliberate foul on Messi. Gabriel Paletta was also shown a yellow card for a foul and Agüero received a verbal warning for time-wasting. Argentina waited out the four minutes of stoppage time to win their fifth world title at under-20 level. Summary Argentina vs Nigeria 2 July 2005 20:00 ARG 2–1 NGA Messi 40 pen. 75 pen. Obasi 53 Stadion Galgenwaard, Utrecht 24,500 Terje Hauge (Norway) https://web.archive.org/web/20210902044636/https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/u20worldcup/netherlands2005/match-center/91020052 _arg04h2 _arg04h2 _arg04h2 _arg04h2 80BFFF 80BFFF 80BFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF Argentina _nga05h _nga05h _nga05h _nga05h 008040 008040 008040 008040 008040 Nigeria GK 1 Óscar Ustari CB 4 Julio Barroso CB 6 Gabriel Paletta 80 CB 13 Ezequiel Garay RWB 8 Pablo Zabaleta (c) LWB 3 Lautaro Formica RM 18 Lionel Messi 76 CM 17 Fernando Gago 72 CM 5 Juan Manuel Torres LM 15 Rodrigo Archubi 61 CF 20 Gustavo Oberman 57Substitutes: FW 19 Sergio Agüero 90+2 57 FW 11 Emiliano Armenteros 61 MF 7 Lucas Biglia 72Manager: Francisco Ferraro 300px GK 1 Ambruse Vanzekin 74 RB 13 Olubayo Adefemi CB 17 Dele Adeleye CB 5 Monday James 14 LB 14 David Abwo 85 RM 10 Isaac Promise (c) CM 19 Sani Kaita 32 CM 9 Mikel John Obi LM 3 Taye Taiwo 78 CF 7 Chinedu Obasi CF 20 John OwoeriSubstitutes: FW 11 Solomon Okoronkwo 85Manager: Samson Siasia Assistant referees: Steinar Holvik (Norway) Ole Hermann Borgan (Norway) Fourth official: Benito Archundia (Mexico) |} Legacy 200px|right|thumb|The final intensified the rivalry between Argentina and Nigeria and was the first title for Messi with Argentina. The 2005 tournament was considered the breakthrough of Lionel Messi's first steps in the national team, beginning a highly successful career with Argentina, where he won two Copa América titles. First in 2021 against hosts Brazil and against Colombia in the 2024 championship in the United States.Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 to win Copa America https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/11/football/copa-america-intl-spt#:~:text=Copa%20America%202021%20final%3A%20Argentina%20beats%20Brazil%201%2D0%20%7C%20CNN 24 January 2026 CNN 11 July 2021Begley Emlyn Argentina 1-0 Colombia https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/clwy1ljp971t 24 January 2026 BBC Sport 15 July 2024 Messi's most important achievement with Argentina came in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he led Argentina to win its third world title by defeating France in the final.Kirkland Alex How Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, in their own words https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39121682/how-argentina-won-2022-world-cup-their-own-words 24 January 2026 ESPN 18 December 2023World Cup 2022: An explosion of joy as Argentina wins https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64026174 24 January 2026 BBC News 19 December 2022Hytner David Argentina beat France on penalties to win World Cup after stunning final https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/18/world-cup-final-argentina-france-match-report 24 January 2026 The Guardian 18 December 2022 The match also fuelled the rivalry between Argentina and Nigeria. Despite a remarkable history at youth tournaments, Nigeria has never been able to obtain the title, with Ghana being the first African country to win the cup at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, defeating Brazil in the final.Kwenda Stanley Andre Ayew: Ghana have 'lost organisation' since winning 2009 U-20 World Cup https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50099131 24 January 2026 BBC Sport 18 October 2019 Messi won the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot, as the most valuable player and top scorer player of the tournament, respectively.10 July 2024 Messi passes Ali Daei https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/argentina-canada-live-updates-2024-copa-america-lionel-messi-score-result/yRrle4paHuhm/BeNQ1qaCPjJZ/ 10 July 2024 The Athletic 10 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240710125438/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/argentina-canada-live-updates-2024-copa-america-lionel-messi-score-result/yRrle4paHuhm/BeNQ1qaCPjJZ/ live Saaid Hamdan https://www.rsssf.org/tableso/ol2008f-det.html Games of the XXIX. Olympiad Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation 12 September 2008 6 August 2024 6 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240806071542/https://www.rsssf.org/tableso/ol2008f-det.html live web Magic Messi Sparks High Drama in the Lowlands FIFA July 2005 https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/news/y=2007/m=3/news=magic-messi-sparks-high-drama-the-lowlands-501784.html https://web.archive.org/web/20150906082949/http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/news/y=2007/m=3/news=magic-messi-sparks-high-drama-the-lowlands-501784.html dead 6 September 2015 12 August 2015 Argentina would go on to win back-to-back championship and its sixth FIFA youth title in the first edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007 in Canada, where the team defeated the Czech Republic in the final.Argentina take U-20 world title https://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/football/07/23/argentina.worlds.reut/index.html 24 January 2026 CNN 23 July 2007 References 2 Final 2005 Category:Argentina national football team matches Category:Nigeria national football team matches Category:Lionel Messi Category:2005 in men's association football Category:July 2005 sports events in the Netherlands Category:Sport in Utrecht (city) Category:Football in Utrecht (province) Category:Football matches in the Netherlands Category:Men's international association football finals in Europe