#If i hadn't turned on the TV and saw Messi play at the 2014 world cup - i would not have been a football fan

[getting-messi]

thoughts - feel free to ignore

wrote a post before the qualifer match against Ecuador in 2017, wrote one Monday night before Croatia, feel like I should write a final post now. 

Cannot believe Argentina are playing in the world cup final. It seems like a dream - we really made it. 

Knowing that this is Messi’s last world cup match is hard but also understandable. He’s been in countless finals for Argentina, lost many, won 1, and now in another world cup final. I cannot imagine how difficult it is to play for a country that has an icon like Maradona. To always be compared to him, to be told that you are a failure if you do not reach the same heights that he did. I cannot imagine having to continue representing your country despite losing so many times. 

When Messi retired after Copa America 2016 - i completely understood. Seeing him in tears on the pitch, shaking his head, I could only begin to fathom the pain that he was feeling. I remember reading articles that during the Copa America finals, his family was harassed in the crowd and had to be moved. The fact that he said Thiago asks why Argentines hate him so much, it’s crazy. The guy has suffered a lot not reaching the ultimate achievement with Argentina. 

I remember the 2014 final like it was yesterday. I remember all the missed opportunities, the numbness seeing the Germans celebrate as the Argentines had to wait for their second place medal. Seeing Messi emotionless collect his Player of the tournament award. I remember all the details. 

Thinking about where the team is now, how hard the players have fought, and how proud Argentines have been of Messi and the team? What a beautiful moment we get to witness. 

Messi playing for Barcelona was a gift. Messi playing for Argentina was an honour. It’s been painful, beautiful, and a masterpiece to see him lead his country time and time again despite all the losses he has faced.

If this is the last time we see Lionel Messi at a world cup, I hope the story ends differently. I hope it ends with a smile on his face and the trophy in his hands. 

But no matter what, it’s been a wonderful privilege seeing him play internationally. Gracias Leo, gracias por todo. 💙✨🇦🇷