19/07/2026
My Journey with Lionel Messi
I don't even know where to begin. Maybe the best way is to start from the very beginning.
The same yearâand even on the very same dayâI was born, Lionel Messi scored his first official goal for Barcelona from Ronaldinho's unforgettable assist, the goal that marked the beginning of his legendary career. Looking back now, it almost feels like our journeys started together. As I was growing up, he was growing into the greatest footballer the world has ever seen.
I was too young to fully understand football during the 2010 World Cup, but I still remember the excitement. Back then, the World Cup felt like a festival. There was very little toxicity, and everyone simply enjoyed the beautiful game. Pepsi even gave player cards, and I loved collecting them. My whole family supported Argentina, so every Argentina match became a family event. Everywhere I looked, people talked about Messi.
At that age, I didn't understand football that well, but every time the ball reached Messi's feet, it felt like I was about to witness magic. His dribbling was simply mesmerizing. Without even realizing it, I fell in love with football because of him.
Then came the 2014 World Cup.
It took place during Ramadanâthe most special month of the year for us. Back then, Ramadan felt different. Schools were closed, Sehri and Iftar felt like festivals, and the whole month was filled with joy. It was the perfect time for a World Cup. I watched every Argentina match at home with my family, and with each game, I found myself falling even deeper in love with Messi.
His performance against Nigeria completely amazed me, especially that unforgettable free kick. One thing I had always admired about him was that whenever his team needed him, he deliveredâwhether it was a pass, a goal, a moment of brilliance, or simply creating something out of nothing.
Argentina somehow reached the final against a prime Germany side. My neighborhood even arranged a giant projector so everyone could watch together. For 113 minutes, I believed.
Then came the 114th minute.
Germany scored.
I cried. Messi didn't. He stood there with dignity, but the disappointment in his eyes said everything. That wasn't just his heartbreakâit became mine too. Most people's first heartbreak comes because of someone they loved. Mine came because of Lionel Messi.
Then came the 2015 Copa AmÊrica. We made it all the way to the final, only to lose once again.
Then came the 2016 Copa AmÊrica.
The same heartbreaking story.
But how much pain can one person keep bottled up? Messi finally broke down in tears. He blamed himself for everything. After losing three consecutive international finals, who could possibly be okay? On top of that, he faced endless criticism simply because he hadn't won an international trophy. How much can one person endure?
More than his individual achievements, all Messi ever wanted was to win something for his country. But luck always seemed to be against him.
I'll never forget those painful years or the trauma we went through as fans. Yet, despite everything, my love for Messi never fadedânot even for a second. If anything, it only grew stronger. That's why today, every time he scores, I celebrate with all my heart, and every Argentina victory fills me with indescribable joy, because I still remember all those painful memories that came before these happy moments.
The 2018 World Cup only made those wounds even deeper.
Then came 2021.
The curse was finally broken. Messi lifted his first major international trophy with Argentina, and it felt like years of pain had finally come to an end.
And then came the 2022 World Cup.
You ended Argentina's 36-year wait for the World Cup in the most cinematic way imaginable. It all started with a shocking defeat in the opening match, but you never stopped believing. Match after match, you and your teammates proved everyone wrong. Every player in that squad was ready to give everything for their captain.
When you finally lifted the World Cup trophy, it felt like football had finally given you the ending you deserved. There was nothing left to prove.
Messi taught me far more than football. He taught me that failure is never the end. Every defeat, every criticism, and every tear became part of his success. His kindness and humility inspired me just as much as his football. He never claimed to be the greatestâhe simply let his football speak for itself. Choosing Messi as my idol is probably the best decision I've ever made.
Now, here we are in another World Cup final. Whether you win or lose, you've already given us more happiness than we could ever ask for. The fact that your final World Cup is against players who grew up dreaming of becoming the next Messi feels like the perfect fairytale ending.
You are the greatest player humankind has ever seen. I still wonder how one player can stay at the highest level for almost an entire career. Even at this age, you play with the energy and passion of a young man. That's something only you could do.
I don't think there are enough words to truly describe your greatness. Football may never see another player like you again. We are incredibly lucky to have witnessed your journey with our own eyes. Thank you for giving us memories that will last a lifetime.
Fifty or a hundred years from now, people will hear stories about you and wonder if someone like Lionel Messi really existed.
Football is lucky to have had you.
I fell in love with football because of you.
I don't know how I'll say goodbye. Maybe football will never feel the same without you.
Money can't buy happiness.
But somehow, you gave it to me.
There are still so many things I could say about you, but I guess I'll stop here. Because even everything I've written wouldn't be 1% of your story. No matter how much I write, your story will never truly be finished. Legends like you can't be described in wordsâthey can only be witnessed.
You'll always be my inspiration.
Thank you for everything, Leo. đđ
