Watching Lionel Messi, Argentina win the World Cup meant everything to my family
Editor's Note: Matthew Aguilar-Lizzi is The Post's sports intern. His family hails from Argentina and his feelings for Lionel Messi and the nation's futbol team are very strong.
This was the day every Argentinian turned on their television. The day every Lionel Messi fan pulled out his jersey. The day Argentina would face redemption against the world champions in the biggest sporting event in the world, the World Cup final.
On Dec. 18, I would sit with my entire family in our living room: Parents, grandparents, cousins and uncles, all itching and praying for glory to our country.
The nerves and adrenaline were rushing through every inch of my body, almost as if we were in the heart of Buenos Aires, right by el Obelisco. Or, better yet, on that pitch right next to Messi.
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I thought we can actually do it. We can prove everyone wrong, show the world that Messi and Argentina are the best in the world, "puedemos ganar la tercera" ("We can win the third World Cup").
Reaching the highest peaks and crashing down to the lowest depths, all in 120 minutes, but seeing Messi raise that trophy after the win over France was truly astonishing, a once-in-a-generation experience. It's something I might not see again in my lifetime.
But why does this event, this moment, mean so much to me, my family, the nation of Argentina and the world?
The last time the Argentinian national team won a World Cup, was in 1986 in Mexico where Diego Maradona was the best thing that has happened to them since herbal mate.
Maradona’s infamous "Hand of God" moment was the most iconic goal ever scored in a World Cup. Scoring in the quarterfinals against, arguably, the most politically hated nation in all of Argentina, England.
This was a day that caused both controversy and excitement because Argentina made it to another World Cup final, eventually winning the whole thing in a dramatic 3-2 victory against fierce rival West Germany.
Although Messi didn’t score a goal with his hand in this World Cup, I can say for sure he was guided by the hand of God.
My grandfather, Alfredo Lizzi, had the honor and privilege to witness Argentina win its previous two World Cups in 1974 and 1986, and now in 2022. He watched Maradona play in Mexico and had the honor to meet him in New York at Biancardi’s Butcher Shop on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.
“Maradona to me will always be the best in the world because I watched him play, I’ve met him, and what he has done for me is indescribable,” my grandfather says. “Watching him raise the trophy in ’86 was such a happy moment for me, my family and Argentina.
"After 36 years, seeing this amazing success for my country is truly remarkable, especially after all the history Argentina has for its terrible events. Soccer brings me happiness, and for my family.”
Messi is my Maradona. He is my champion. He is the reason I love football.
I was 3 when Messi made his debut for Barcelona, shocking the world with his talent. When I was 4, my father introduced me to him. I was mesmerized.
He was my inspiration, my purpose for playing, for watching. All I wanted to do was watch Messi play.
This is the man who made me fall in love with the beautiful game. The one who makes magic on the pitch, moves his body and the ball in an alien-like form, the one who is the greatest player of all time.
He has brought so much joy into the lives of many around the world. Everyone has his name and number on their back.
In basketball, people might wear Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or Lebron James’ shirts. But in soccer, there’s only one shirt, one G.O.A.T, one Messi.
Witnessing Messi lift that trophy was something extraordinary. There was so much emotion from all of us and it meant a great deal for our country. It left me speechless.
Two days after the final, the national team flew back to Buenos Aires to celebrate with everyone in their hometowns. It was such a grand occasion that the Argentinian government made Dec. 20th a national holiday so everyone could express joy and pride for their country.
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Five million people were waiting for the team bus to drive them to the capital. People would try to jump onto the bus to hug the players.
There was music, people dancing, cheering from all parts of the country. This win united an entire nation. People with different views, different lifestyles, different rivalries, put it all aside for their country.
A World Cup comes along every four years. A player like Lionel Messi comes along once in a lifetime. These are things I do not take for granted.
Argentina is my heritage, it is my second home, my love, my passion. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Except, maybe for a fourth World Cup.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Lionel Messi, Argentina's World Cup win over France means everything
