[Saba Sports News] Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain in extra time of the World Cup final, falling short of the championship title. After the final whistle, the stadium’s giant screen lingered long on Lionel Messi’s face, fixated on his bloodshot eyes. Spain was about to lift the World Cup trophy, while Messi narrowly missed out on the crown and failed to defend their title. Tears then rolled down the cheeks of Argentina’s diminutive genius, as if his tears embodied those of every Argentine citizen. Everyone inside the stadium stared at the hero on the big screen, who suddenly looked only human. Almost instinctively, they glanced away, overcome with unease. The footballer who had gifted the world countless dreams was left with such a sorrowful ending. At 39 years old, Messi has all but bid farewell to the World Cup. He has pushed every physical limit a footballer can reach, yet it is hard to picture him competing at the next World Cup hosted by Spain, Morocco and Portugal in four years’ time. The crushing disappointment of coming so close to a trophy he could almost touch overwhelmed him completely. Messi broke down, letting his tears flow freely, his eyes instantly turning bright red.
This ending befits a boy brimming with boundless love for this sport, one who weeps unrestrainedly after defeat — just as he did back when he was a little kid in Rosario. It feels as if nothing has changed since his childhood days.