Lionel Messi,
c/o Argentina national team.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Dear Leo,
I’m writing this with my head down and my face red because I owe you a proper apology.
A few moments ago, when you stepped up to take that penalty and it didn’t go in, I lost my mind for a second and said “Fuck Messi.” I yelled it. I typed it too. In that moment I was just a frustrated fan who wanted you to break a record and I took it out on you, the same player who has given me more joy than any other athlete on the planet.
That was stupid, unfair, and completely out of line. You’ve spent your entire career doing things with a football that normal humans can’t even dream of. You’ve won everything there is to win, carried teams on your back, and delivered moments that still give me chills years later. One missed penalty doesn’t erase any of that. Not even close.
I’m genuinely sorry. You didn’t deserve the anger, the swearing, or the disrespect. You’re still the greatest player I’ve ever watched, and I’m still proud to call myself a fan.
I hope you accept this apology. And if you ever see this… thank you for everything you’ve done. We don’t say it enough when things are going well, so I’m saying it now, especially after today’s game.
With respect and regret I am genuinely sorry.
Yours faithfully, Sadiq Sadiq.
All the records broken by Lionel Messi today:
Most FIFA World Cup finals goals by a football (soccer) player - 18
Most FIFA World Cup matches played in by an individual - 28
Most matches won by a player at the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup - 18
Most minutes played in the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup - 2,489
We are witnessing history.