the burgundy on my t-shirt when you splashed your wine into me and how the blood rushed into my cheeks so scarlet, it was maroon.
the mark they saw on my collarbone, the rust that grew between telephones, the lips i used to call home so scarlet, it was maroon.
heartbroken but also so grateful that he gets to leave on his own terms. i honestly can’t remember seeing another athlete at this level choose to step down from the throne this gracefully. being the greatest takes talent, but knowing when to leave takes something else entirely..
It sucks that Messi retired on international level because its obvious he's still got it, but at the same time I'm so glad we will never see him in a bad state on a football pitch after he's way past it. Nobody will have a memory of him like that, he will always be this mythical athlete who never declined until his last day
people love him not only for the player he was but for the person he chose to be through it all. talent can earn you applause, but kindness, humility, and the way you treat people are what stay in their hearts long after the game is over.
I got so emotional watching this video.. 🤍
Q: “What would you say to Messi?”
Fan 1: “Hello Messi, how are you? Thank you for teaching us how you play. I will miss you a lot.”
Fan 2: “The truth is I can't believe you're going, but I'm not going to miss you because, like my parents who I no longer have, I carry them in my heart, and I'm always going to carry you in my heart. You were the best thing that happened to me in life, you were everything to me, Messi. The greatest.”
Fan 3: “Thank you for making us believe that anything is possible. We are going to miss you.”
Fan 4: “Hello Messi, I wanted to tell you thank you very much for everything you have given us, for the cups you have gifted us, and for the joy you have given us. I love you very much. Enjoy.”
Fan 5: "Hello Leo, please, can you stay a couple more years? I'd settle for four. Thanks brother, hug. See you tonight.”
Fan 6: “Hello Leo, how's it going? All good? Look Leo, enjoy life, which is beautiful, yes? You have achieved everything. Enjoy it brother. Thank you.”
Fan 7: “Thank you. Thank you for everything. You are the best. We will always remember you. I can't speak.”
Fan 8: “Hello Leo, nothing but words of gratitude for you. You marked a before and after, and all generations, I think we feel the same. A hug and thanks for everything.”
Fan 9: “Thank you for being a great example as a player, as a person, as a father and son, and hopefully there will continue to be more Messis to inspire the rest of the players.”
Fan 10: “Hello Messi, thank you for always supporting us and that we never give up so easily. Thanks Leo.”
Fan 11: “We want to send you gratitude from all Argentines for everything you have left us. Thank you for inspiring us. We love you very much Messi.”
Fan 12: “Hello Messi, I wanted to tell you that you are the best player in the world. Thank you very much for bringing us the cup. We love you very much. Thank you Messi, I love you.”
Fan 13: “Hello Messi. Thank you for giving us so much joy.”
Fan 14: “Hello Messi, well, we want to tell you that we back you to the death, you're incredible. Thank you for everything you have provided us. We love you a lot.”
he didn’t wait until people started asking why he was still playing. he didn’t stay until the game started taking more from him than he could give. he didn’t try to outrun time. he chose to walk away while he was still at the top, still loved, still able to leave the game on a high. there’s something so beautiful about knowing when to let go.