Daniel Maldini is in line to become a third-generation Italian international, but he could have ended up as a continental rival of Lionel Messi.

Maldini, the son of AC Milan legend Paolo and the grandson of Cesare, was named in Italy’s squad for their upcoming Nations League games against Belgium and Israel.

Daniel Maldini was called up to Italy’s senior squadGetty

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder earned a call-up on the back of promising displays for Serie A side Monza, although the club sits second-last in the table.

It is his first taste of senior international football having represented the Azzurri at the Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 level.

However, had a South American nation been more proactive, Maldini could have gone down an entirely different route.

Maldini is eligible to play for Venezuela thanks to his mother, Adriana Fossa.

The South American nation tried earlier this year to woo Maldini and convince him his international future lay with them and not Italy.

In fact, former Juventus midfielder Tomas Rincon, who has 136 caps for Venezuela, revealed he spoke with Paolo about the possibility of Daniel representing them.

The two conversed in the wake of Italy’s 2-1 win over Venezuela in March, where the senior Maldini complemented the South Americans’ competitiveness.

“I asked him about his son Daniel, who scored an amazing goal in the last game,” Rincon told Vinotinto TV in March.

“He [Paolo] really liked what Venezuela did. He said we were quite competitive. I replied that we are developing as a team, and we didn’t have players like Yeferson Soteldo and Yangel Herrera.”

Venezuela did eventually reach out to the Monza midfielder, but after receiving his call-up to his nation of birth, there was only one country he wanted to play for.

He could have faced Messi and ArgentinaGetty

“Yes, I was contacted [by Venezuela] but I always preferred to wait for the right moment and a right choice for me,” Maldini said, per Tutto Mercato Web.

“I think it was worth it. I didn’t talk much with dad, I know he’s happy and everyone is happy. That’s the important thing.”

Had Maldini chosen to represent the South American nation, he could have lined up against the likes of Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez as Venezuela take on Argentina in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

Venezuela have never featured in a World Cup, but given the next tournament features an expanded 48-team field, it represents their best chance of breaking the drought.

The world No. 40s also made the quarter finals at this year’s Copa America but were knocked out by Canada on penalties.

Maldini, who turns 23 on Friday, could make his debut as early as Thursday when Italy face Belgium.